"774 '^54 

History 



( ) 



STODDARD 



CHESHIRE COL'MN, N. H. 



BY 



ISAIAH GOULD. 



rilSTORY 



OF 



STODDARD 

CHESHIRE COUNTY, N. H. 

From the time of its Incorporation in 

1774 to 1854, 

A period of cSo years. 
With some sketches from its first settlement in 1768 

BY 

ISAIAH GOULD. 



— o — 

I'UP.LISIIKI) ];y 

MRS. MARIA A. (GOULD) GIFFIN, 
Keene, N. H. 

MARLBORO', N. H. 
W. L. MI^yrCALF, STEAM .lOP, PRINTER. 

IS'.) 7. 



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9647 




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INTRODUCriON. 

— o — 

It was in the Autumn of 1852 the Author be<ran 
to collect materials, and to prepare the work, that 
he now offers to his fellow townsmen, embracing 
some of the events that comprise the History of the 
Town. At that time, it was not his intention, to 
extend his investigations any further than to gratify 
his own curiosity. - -T*/ 

Having procured a loan of the first vol. of the 
Town Records and in perusing it, found some of the 
transactions of our forefathers, that might i)e inter- 
esting and useful, not only to the present, but to 
future generations, and being impressed with the 
conviction, that duty to posterity requires, that 
some one should prepare a work that should em- 
brace some of the deeds of our ancestors, and of 
the first settlers of the town, that they might be 
preserved from the shades of oblivion to which 
they are fast hastening ; with these considerations 
in view, and the earnest solicitations of several 
valuable friends, the conipih^- undertook the diffi- 
cult task. 

In preparing a histor\' of the Town at this late 
period, serious obstacles are to be met with, the old 



4 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

inhabitants are gone, no records have been kept 
and the town books are very deficient in furnishing 
the information that is essential towards accom- 
plishing the work, in fact no records are found 
previous to the town incorporation. We have but 
little to rely upon, but the memory of the aged citi- 
zens, and such events as have been handed down 
to succeeding generations by their ancestors. By 
the aid and assistance of some of the older people, 
who have cheerfully communicated such infor- 
mation as was in their possession ; the following 
pages are presented to the public, hoping that 
something may be found in them, that will be grati- 
fying, instructive and useful, if so, that will be a 
great recompense for the labor bestowed upon it. 

That errors will occur, is very presumable It 
cannot be otherwise, since so much depends upon 
mere recollection. It has been the author's aim, to 
present everything correctly, and to express all 
subjects he intended to relate, in plain and familiar 
terms ; and has not dwelt on any thing in order to 
increase the number of pages, beyond the neces- 
sary limits; nor has he in any case, made comments 
on what actually transpired. 

A notice of the early settlers, will be very im- 
perfect since so few of them, were known to the 
present inhabitants, their names and residences in 
many cases, have been preserved, but nothing 
definite in regard to their history has been obtained. 

Most of the names that are inserted, have come 
under the writer's recollections and have been 
gathered from the intercourse, with his fellow citi- 
zens in times past. 



INTRODUCTION. 5 

The want of a more thoroufrh education, and an 
experience in historical writiiii^, have been a severe 
obstacle, in giving taste and accuracy, to the sub- 
jects he was about to relate, but would ask the 
reader, to cast the mantle of charity over the errors 
and imperfections, and comply with an old adage 
"To eat th(' flesh and throw the bones away." 

THE AUTHOR. 



HISTORY OF STODDARD, 

CHESHIRE COUNTY, N. H. 
— O — 

^HE town of Stoddard lies at the north east 



corner of the County of Cheshire, is bounded 
on the North by Washington, on the east by Antrim 
and a part of Windsor, south by Nelson and on the 
west by a part of Sullivan, Gilsum and Marlow. 

It contains at the present time 185 dwelling 
houses, 263 legal voters and in 1850, 1105 inhab- 
itants which is a gain of qq the last ten years. 

The center of the town is nineteen miles from 
Keene by the stage road, thirteen miles from the 
railroad station at Hillsboro Bridge, twenty-five 
miles from East Wilton railroad and about the 
same distance from the railroad at Mason Village. 

The town as originally laid out, began at the 
north east corner of Nelson and running northerly 
20 degrees east five miles, thence north 25 degrees 
two miles, thence east 10 degrees south seven miles 
thcmce southerly 21 degrees west two miles,, thence 
south 15 degrees west five miles, thence on Nelson 
line to the first bound. The lines of the town, are 
not at right angles of course. It was laid cait in 
lots 160 rods in length and 80 rods in width, and 
contain 80 acres each. It contains 448 lots and 
35840 acres, the lot lines run i)arallcl with the 
town linens conscfiucntlv thc^ lots are not square 



O HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

In the north west corner of the town, a tract of 
land, about two miles from north to south, and one 
and a half from east to west was laid out, without 
any regard to form, or size of lots. 

In 1786 two miles square was taken from the 
south west corner of the town, and constitutes a 
part of Sullivan. In 1835 on the petition of Eben- 
ezer Tarbox, who had no access to Stoddard, but 
by a circuitous route through Nelson, a strip of 
land, belonging to him and his sons, one mile in 
length, and a half mile in width, was annexed to 
Nelson by an act of the Legislature. This of 
course, makes another indentation in the territory 
of the south west part of the town. These are the 
only alterations that have been made in the town 
lines. 

A contention arose early, between the proprie- 
tors of Marlow and Stoddard, concerning a strip of 
land on the west side of this town, that caused 
much strife and many law suits, and was not settled 
till the year 1805. It was adjusted by a referee, 
and decided in favor of this town. Marlow claimed 
a strip from the west side of the town extending to 
about the middle of the 13th range, which would 
contain more than 7500 acres. 

In 1791 a petition was presented to the town, ask- 
ing it to set off the east part of the town to be 
incorporated into the town of Windsor. Another 
for the same purpose was presented in 1794. 

A petition was got up, to set off three tier of lots, 
from the south side of the town, to be annexed to 
Packersfield (Nelson) in 1802. 

In 1846 a petition was presented to the selectmen 



NAME. Q 

asking the town to disannex a strip of land on the 
west side of the town, about one mile wide, that 
the same might be added to Marlow. Voted in 
favor of it 8, against it 115. A compromise was 
affected by the town la3nng out and making a piece 
of road leading to Marlow, for the better accomm- 
odation of that part of the town, called "Leominster 
Corner." 

The town was incorporated in 1774, and named 
in honor of Col, Sampson Stoddard of Chelmsford 
one of the principle proprietors. 

It is generally understood that, previous to the 
act of incorporation, it was called Limerick; but I 
hnd no reliable authority that favors the supposition. 

Among the first settlers, some were directly from 
old Ireland, and many others were descendants of 
those that came from that countr3^ It is presumed 
that they having that attachment for their native 
land, which has ever characterized that people, 
named their adopted township after a favorite cit)- 
in the Emerald Isle. But we find another name 
Stoddard was known by, which comes from a more 
authentic source. In the Charter from King 
George we find the following paragraph. "Whereas 
our Loyal Subjects inhabitants of a tract of land, 
within our province of New-Hampshire aforesaid, 
commonly called and known by the name of Monad- 
nock number seven." This name was given to eight 
townships in the vicinity of the Monadnock moun- 
tain, which were numbered Monadnock No. i, 2, tvic. 
Rindge was Monadnock No. i, Jaffrey No. 2, Dublin 
No. 3, iMtzwilliam No. 4, Troy and Marlboro No. 5, 
Nelson No. 6, Stoddard No. 7, and Washington No.S. 



lO HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

In recording some of the events that transpired 
in the early settlement of the town ; we hav.e to 
notice no acts of Indian hostility, no terrors from 
the savage yell, and the hideous war whoop, no 
villages consigned to the flames, nor instances of 
human victims slaughtered, or led captive by the 
savage foe. There is no evidence that Indians ever 
inhabited this place. But instead of the indian 
with his savage cruelty, the first settlers often heard 
the cries of the Panther and Wild Cat, the howling 
of the Wolf, and his kindred companions that 
roamed over the forest. 

Whether it was in pursuit of game, or to find a 
home for themselves and their posterit3^ that 
brought the first settlers into this town, tradition 
has never told us. Probably the first person that 
ever entered the wilderness, and cleared the first 
land in town, was a Scotchman by the name of 
Kenedy, was on the farm owned by Timothy Hunt 
(The John D. Copeland place) a little south of 
where his buildings stand. The stream that passes 
near where his hut was built, took its name from 
him, and to this day is called "Kenedy brook." 

Another person, by the name of Bartlett, built a 
camp by the side of a large rock, that may be seen 
on the south side of the road, as we pass from 
Henry Stevens' house to Hervey Wilson's. He 
remained there about two years, and was probably 
the first person that was in town over winter. He 
disappeared suddenly, and it was never known what 
became of him. 

The first permanent settler was John Taggart, 
who came from Peterboro in 1768. Located as he 



INCORI'ORATION. I I 

was, at so great a distance from any inhabitants in 
a new and sterile country, and in a cold and temp- 
estuous lattitude, his sufferings and hardships were 
very severe, far greater, than any other individual. 

But we pass for the present, to the act of incorpo- 
ration, and the proceedings of the town in its 
corporate capacity. 

Very little is known of the town prior to this time. 

The town records are entirely silent, as to giving 
any information of the place, and its transactions, 
until its incorporation. All that is known, is what 
has been handed down by oral communication, at 
the fireside, and in the social circle, to the gener- 
ations that have succeeded the first settlers. It has 
been said, it was incorporated in 1774 It contained 
at that time 224 inhabitants and in 1780, it had 50 
families. In 1790 it had 701 inhabitants. The next 
ten years, the increase was greater, after the close 
of the Revolutionary war, many young men who 
had been in the army, were out of employment, and 
sought a home in the wild and uncultivated regions 
of the new world ; not a few of them, found a resi- 
dence in Stoddard. In iSoo the town contained 
1 148 inhabitance, almost as great a number as it 
has contained at any time since. 

A copy of the charter is inserted, as a document 
that would be interesting to the present and future 
generations. 



12 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 



Province of 
New Hampshire. 



George the third by the Grace 
of God of Great Britain, France 
and Ireland King, defender of 
^ the faith &c. 

To all people to whom these presents shall come. 

Greeting: 

Whereas, Our lo^'al subjects inhabitants of a 
tract of land within our Province of New Hamp- 
shire, aforesaid, commonly called, and known by 
the name of Monadnock number seven, containing 
by estimation, about six miles square ; have humbly 
petitioned and requested us that they may be erec- 
ted and incorporated into a ,township and en- 
franchised with the same powers and privileges, 
which other towns within our said Province by law 
have and enjoy, and is adjudged by us to be con- 
ducive to the general good of our said Province, 
as well as of the said inhabitants in particular, by 
maintaining good order and encouraging the cul- 
ture of the land the same should be done. 

Know ye that we of our special Graces certain 
knowledge, and for the encouragement and pro- 
motion of good purposes and ends, aforesaid, by 
and with the advice of our trusty and well beloved 
John Wentworth Esquire ; Governor and Com- 
mander in Chief of our said Province, and of our 
council of the same, have erected and ordained, 
and by these presents for us our heirs and suc- 
cessors. Do, will and ordain, that the inhabitants 
of the said tract of land, and others who shall 
improve and inhabit therein hereafter, the same 
being butted and bounded as follows. Beginning 
at the north west corner of Packersfield (Nelson) 



CHARTER AND GRANT. 1 3 

at the patcMit line so called, from thence runninor 
northerly by said patent line, seven miles, to a stake 
and stones, from thence south 80 degrees. East, 
seven miles, to a beech tree marked ; from thence 
south 21 degrees west, two miles to a stake and 
stones, from thence south 15 degrees west, five 
miles, to a stake in the pond, called rye pond in the 
line of Packersfield aforesaid, from thence north 
80 degrees, west seven miles b}' said Packersiield 
to the bound first mentioned, be and they are here- 
by declared to be a town corporated, by the name 
of Stoddard, to have continuance forever, with all 
the powers and authorities, privileges, immunities, 
franchises which any other town in our said 
Province by law, hold, and enjoy, to the said inhabi- 
tants, or those who shall hereafter inhabit thc;se 
and to their successors forever, always reserving 
to us, our heirs, successors all white pine trees, 
that are, or shall be found, being and growing 
within and upon the said tract of land, fit for the 
use of our Ro3^al Navy, reserving also unto us, our 
heirs and successors, the power of dividing said 
town when it shall appear necessary and convenient 
for the inhabitants thereof. 

Provided, Nevertheless, and is hereby declared, 
that this charter and grant, is not intended and 
shall not in any manner continue to effect the priv- 
ate property of the soil within the limits aforesaid 
and as the several towns within our said proxince 
are, by the laws thereof enabled and authori/c-d 
to assemble and by the majority of voters present, 
to choose officers, transact such affairs as in the said 
laws are directed. 



14 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

We do by these presents nominate and appoint 
Oliver Parker to call the first meeting of the said 
inhabitants, to be held within the said town, at any 
time within sixty days from the date hereof, giving 
legal notice of the time and design of holding such 
meeting, after which the annual meeting for said 
town shall be held for the choice of town officers, 
and purposes aforesaid, on the last Thursday in the 
month of March annually. 

In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of 
our said Province to be hereunto affixed. 

Witness our aforesaid Governor, Commander 
in Chief the fourth day of November in the 
fifteenth year of our Reign Annoque Domine 

1774- 

J. WENTWORTH. 

By his Excellency's command with advice of 
Council. 

THEODORE ATKINSON, Secretary. 



I'lUST SF,TTI,ERS. I 5 

It appears, that Oliver Parker, was appointed to 
call the first town meeting under the charter. It 
was accordingly held at his dwelling house, on the 
first day of December 1774, and was organized by 
choosing Oliver Parker, moderator, town clerk and 
first selectman, Jonathan Bennet and Silas Wright 
were the other selectmen. 

Chose Joseph Dodge and Andrew Boynton con- 
stables, all, were to hold their office till the annual 
meeting in March following. This was all the 
business, that was found necessary to be done at 
that meeting, it was accordingly dismissed. 

Annual town meetings, were held on the last 
Thursday in March till 1786; they were then held 
on the first Monday in March till 1804, since that 
time, they have been held on the second Tuesday. 

All town meetings, were warned by a Constable 
until 1805. 

The town was first settled, by a hardy, robust 
and energetic race of men. No hardships were too 
severe, to be endured, and, no diffiiculties too 
desperate to be overcome. Their means of comfort 
and convenience were few; and their necessities and 
wants, were beyond their reach. Located as they 
were, at so great a distance from the older settled 
towns, without roads or any means of conveyance, 
hardship was unavoidable. 

The only article of barter, that the early inhabi- 
tants dealt in, to any amount, was Salts. These 
were made by falling and rolling together the large 
trees of the forest, and burning them to ashes, the 
ashes were leached, and the ley boiled down, (as 
sugar is made at the present day) and made into 



1 6 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

salts, which were carried (frequently on a hand 
sled) to the store, and exchanged for such articles 
as necessity compelled them to purchase. 

The articles of necessity, at that period, were few, 
compared with those purchased at the present time. 
Barrels of flour. Carpets and Broad cloths, were 
among the things that were never thought of. 
Their bread was made of such grain, as their fields 
produced, principally Rye and Corn. If they want- 
ed a little nicer cake or pie crust, some rye meal 
was sifted through "the fine sive" and made with 
more care. 

The principal food for children, and much for the 
older people, consisted of bread and milk, bean 
porridge and other broths were a common dish. 
Tea and Coffee, were used with a sparing hand ; 
never but once a clay, and then, was confined to 
heads of families, domestics and visitors. 

The carpets were usually "the soft side of a 
board," without paint ; and even a plane, was not 
always used on them. The dress of people, was 
simple and cheap. It might, truly be called " the 
age of homespun", this every day dress was com- 
posed of a striped frock and trowsers. Most men 
and boys wore leather aprons. Boots were very 
rare, leggins, knit of woolen yarn, were generally 
wore to exclude the snow from their feet, and tied 
over the shoe, sometimes the legs of the pantaloon 
were long enough to tie over the shoe. Boys and 
some men, wore a cap on their head, in the shape 
of a cone, it was made to fit the head, and run to a 
point, twelve or fifteen inches above it. They were 
usually made of strips of cloth of different colors. 



IIOl'SF.S. 17 

perhaps reel and black or any other color, which 
would o^ive them quite an imposinj:^ appearance. 
Alc(h1 nuMi, those who were wealthy, and of the first 
class in society, usually wore for a Sabbath-day suit, 
small clothes (breeches) that would come below the 
knee and confined with a silver buckle, long stock- 
ings and shoes with a huge buckle on the instep. 
Those who wore boots, had a white top, that came 
half way down the leg, the rim of the hat was quite 
large and cocked up on three sides. 

The every day dress of females, consisted of a 
short loose gown, and a quilted petticoat and 
checkered apron. Most women would have a pair 
of shoes with high wood heels, an inch and a half 
high, that were worn occasionally. Both men and 
women went barefoot much of the time, while at 
home. 

IIOUSKS. 

It was in this town, as it usually is in all new 
settlements, the first houses were built of round 
timber, the chimney and fire-place were of stone and 
the top laid with sticks and clay, frequently the 
oven was built without any connection with the 
house, by the side of a large rock, the Movel (as 
the barn was called) was built of the same material 
as the house, this was to shelter their cattle, hay 
was put up in stacks; both house and hc^vel were 
covered with spruce bark. But the log houses 
mostl}- disappeared in this town many years ago, 
and they were entirely gone, until the Glass com- 
panies went into operation. They hired their wood 
choppers from Canada, and emigrants from the old 



15 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Country, who built themselves Shanties, some of 
which were of the same construction of the old log 
house. Very few of the early settlers could boast 
of a frame house, for their first residence. And at 
a later period, when the frame house was common 
they were anything, but being warm and convenient. 
It was considered sufficiently finished to be com- 
fortable when the covering and finish consisted of 
one thickness of boards "champhered" at the edges. 
They mostly contained two rooms, and a chamber, 
which was entered by means of a ladder. The 
chamber window was made by sawing a board out 
at the gable end and a strip of board nailed across 
it, and was left open in the summer season, and in 
fair weather. A huge fire place extended nearly 
across one room. At that time, wood was of no 
consequence, the more of it that could be burned, 
the better people liked it. The fireplace was so 
large, and so constructed, that large back logs, such 
as could not be split readily, were dug out of the 
snow and rolled into the house. (And instances 
have been known when they were drawn in with a 
horse) All the wood that was on the fire, was drawn 
forward, and the log rolled in its place, in the back 
part of the chimney, and another, generally a little 
less, placed on the top of it. By this operation, the 
house would be filled with smoke, and the children 
be shivering with cold at the back part of the room. 
When the fire "got low," the "back stick" was roll- 
ed forward, often on large rocks, instead of andirons, 
and another green one put in its place. Wood 
houses were unknown, and dry wood was among 
the things that were never thought of. 



ClirKCll CISTOMS. K) 

Th(' social feelings, and friendship of the llrst 
inhabitants were very stronor, they had tj^reat res- 
pect for each other, for morality and the ordinances 
of reli«4"ion; and almost every family, was in the 
habit of constantly attendini^ upon the services of 
the sanctuary, on the Sabbath days. Whilst I am 
writing-, methinks. I can see in inia.iji-ination one of 
the venerable Patriarchs of the town in olden times, 
ridintr up to the stone horse block at the west end 
of the old meeting house with his wife seated behiiul 
him on a pillion, upon the back of the old farm 
horse, and frequently with a child in her arms; 
while others of the family would walk. The boys 
and girls, e\'en; would walk from the most remote 
parts of the town t{* meeting on the sal)bath, and 
thought it no hardship. 

Bo3's would go barefoot, while the girls wore their 
ever}' day stockings and shoes, and would carry a 
a better pair to put on. when they got almost there, 
the other pair would be deposited, in some safe 
jjlace in the wall or bushes, till after meeting, and 
then they would be exchanged again. 

When people were at church, they paid close 
attention to the exercises, and children were required 
after they arrived at honu;, to tell "where the text 
was," and with many families, the Lord's Prayer, the 
catechism and commandments, were repeated. 

The minister was held in high esteem, he was 
considered far superior to any of the congregation, 
not only on the sabbath, but on all other days of 
the week. It was considered unmannerly in a high 
degree, for a ])erson to meet him on the highway 
without taking his hat ofl. Hovs too, were sure to 



20 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

receive a chastisement from their parents if they 
did not take their hats off, and make a bow when 
they were spoken to by their minister. 

In the winter season, the first inhabitants suffered 
many inconveniences, trials and hardships, that 
the present generation knows nothing of. 

Located as they were, on the height of land be- 
tween the two principle rivers in New Hampshire, 
the snow fell uncommonly deep, the roads led over 
the highest hills, the wind was boisterous, and the 
storms severe. Under these circumstances a ride 
from the most remote parts of the town, would be 
anything but pleasant. Nor was this all; the meet- 
ing house was situated on high ground, without any 
means of warming it. Many are the times, that a 
family would ride four miles to meeting, without a 
buffalo in their sleigh, or sufficient clothing, to 
keep a person from suffering at the present day, 
and sit there through long exercises, and return 
again, to their homes, without seeing fire. 

ROADS. 

Roads were of the most desperate kind. They 
were made without any regard to hills; but most 
usually over the highest; for the reason, that people 
cleared their first land on high ground, for it ensured 
a better crop, and built their houses wher,e their 
cleared land was. 

In laying out roads, the only object was, to pass 
from one neighbor to another, for their own con- 
venience. 

In the winter season, the snow fell deep and much 
drifted. At such times, the public highways would 



ROADS. 21 

be left, and the travel would be "across lots," with- 
out anything for a guide but stumps or some object. 
The fences were covered with snow, but they were 
determined not to be "shut up," and never despaired 
of having a road. 

An aged citizen was heard to say, "he had broke 
roads every day in the week, from where he lived, 
(in the westerly part of the town) to Col. Evens' 
and gone home, on Saturday night, without seeing 
a track." 

The first public highway that led through town, 
came from Hancock. It entered town at the south 
east corner of it, by rye pond, came past the Nath'l 
Barrett place to John Wilson's after following where 
the road now is 40 or 50 rods, went a north west 
direction to Jesse Wilder's and Joel Shedd's and to 
Harrison Dunn's still continuing a north west course 
by Abel Adams' to the Col. Evens' place so on by 
Jerome Messenger's and Reed Shedd's and on to 
South Marlow. 

At quite an early period, the road from John 
Wilson's continued north nearly in a straight line 
over Mount Stoddard, passed the Joshua Reed 
place, to nearly where Esq. Fox's buildings stand, 
from thence to the Noah Harden place, thence a 
north west direction to the present village. This 
road with several others was laid by the proprietors 
of the town. It was common witli tliem to give 
names to certain places where they laid a road. 
That ijart of this road where I)ani(;l Upton lives 
called "Queen street". It was known l)y this name 
until the inhabitants left, and the buildings reduced 
to the dwelling house and barns of the present 



22 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

occupant. Other streets were named viz. King 
Street, High Street, Protection Street, &c. 

Where they were located I hav(,> no means of 
knowing. 

The place where Weeks & Gilson's Tavern and 
Glass factory stand was called "the city," from the 
same authority. A Turnpike was in agitation, call- 
ed the Hancock turnpike, and was to pass through 
this town, about the year 1807. The town voted to 
take one mile and a half of this road to build, begin- 
ing at the common, near the center schoolhouse, 
from thence running a south east course; and have 
it completed, as soon as the other part was made b)' 
the corporation. No part of it was made. 

As population increased, and business considera- 
bly enlarged; another road was built in 181 1 called 
the "County road." It came from Hancock, nearl)- 
on the same ground, of the former, to what is called 
Barrett's bridge, from thence to Charles Saw3/er's 
and continued a northerly course to Wm. Robb's 
and over mount Stoddard, with some alterations to 
the meeting house. Previous to this a road had 
been built across the "Bog" where it is now travell- 
ed. But still the road was not on the best ground, 
and the public were not satisfied. 

In 1830 the Forest road was laid by a courts com- 
mittee consisting of Phinehas Henderson of Keene: 
Samuel M.Richardson of Pelham and Joseph Weeks 
of Richmond. It was a continuous route from 
Charlestown, through Stoddard, Hancock and 
Greenfield to Nashua. It entered the towm, near 
the northwest part of it, passing through the middle 
and running a diagonal course to the south east 



ROADS. 23 

corner by Rye poiul, inakin*^ l)ctwcc;n nine and ten 
miles of nearly all new road, at a cost of about $3625. 

The next year, 1S31, a committee appointed by 
the court, consistinij^ of Jonathan Gove of Acworth, 
Joseph Weeks of Richmond and Oliver Prescott of 
jaffrey. laid out what is called the Keene and Con- 
cord road. This road passes throu,irh the corners 
of the towns of Roxbury, Sullivan, Nelson and 
Stoddard, and through an almost uninhabited part 
of all of them, consequently, it was met b}' a power- 
full opposition from each town. It enters Stoddard 
at the head of F^actory pond, running a northeast- 
erly direction to Antrim line, making more than live 
miles of entirely new road. 

The ends of this road viz. from Nelson line to I. 
Ciould's and from the south village to Antrim line, 
were made in 1S34; the remainder was built in 1836. 

There have been many alterations in the roads 
of later years, to avoid hills, and better accommo- 
date the traveling public. 

In 1832 a road was made from Joseph Knight's to 
the road, east of Col. Wilson's also from near the 
brook east of Marshal Messenger's to the Bog 
schoolhouse; which was a great improvement from 
the old one, with several other smaller alterations 
in different parts of the town, that I shall not notice. 

The road from Mill X'illage to Antrim, was 
thoroughly repaired, and considerably altered, in 
1852 and 1853, at a cost of over 2800 dollars. .\n 
arch stone bridge, was built across the stream near 
Antrim line, the only bridge of the kind in town. 

As the highways have been removed to lower 
ground, many of the back roads, were completely 



24 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

blocked up with snow during the winter season, and 
were not much repaired in the summer. The 
occupants, of many of the farms, found the necessity 
of leaving, and turning them to a pasture. 

The greatest misfortune the town ever exper- 
ienced has been, in so many of the citizens leaving 
town, and so much of the land, being in possession 
of non-resident owners. More than one-third of the 
lots, that were settled and occupied by families, 
forty years ago; many of them industrious and 
enterprising men, are now destitute of inhabitants 
and the farms turned to a pasture. 

SCHOOLS. 

The town is divided into ten school districts, 
which contain about 275 scholars each year. 

The people here, began early to provide means 
for the educating of their children. 

The first appropriation for that purpose, was in 
1780. Voted, in town meeting, to raise 60 bushels 
of rye, or the value thereof, for schooling. 

In 1 781, voted to raise 1000 pounds continental 
money for schooling, equal to t,t,t,;^ dollars and ^2) 
cents. Appropriations were made most of the years 
afterwards, but not so large. The next year, voted 
to raise 30 pounds, for the use of schools. From 
1800 to 1808, the town raised 100 pounds each year 
for schooling. 

In late years, it has been the practice of the town 
not to raise more money than is required by law. 

In 1816 the town raised 100 dollars in addition to 
the requirements of law. In 1840 raised 100 dollars 
to be divided equally among the several school 
districts. 



SCHOOLS. 25 

For many years the town has received annuall}' 
something over fifty doHars, of a literary fund, 
which is a tax on bank capital to be appropriated 
for schoolinsy. This town usually divides it equally 
among the districts. 

We find nothing in regard to school houses till 
1 7Q2. The town voted "that the town be squadroned 
anew, and build each squadron a school house." 

Previous to this, schools, were kept in private 
houses. How schools were kept, and who the 
teachers were, we have but little knowledge. Mas- 
ter Obadiah Parker is still spoken of, by some of 
our aged people, as a very excellent teacher, and a 
fine man. He was frequently employed to teach 
the schools; and inoneyear, kept out all the money 
in town; going from one district to another, till he 
had gone through the town. 

A sketch of some of the practices of school man- 
agement within the recollection of the writer, ma)' 
not be uninteresting. The first school I recollect 
of attending, was kept in a barn, the school house 
having been burnt a short time before, another was 
soon built, and the method of procuring firewood, 
deserves notice. 

About the time school was to commence, a gallon 
or two of rum was procured (paid for out of the 
school money of course) and notice given for the 
men and boys belonging to the district "to turn out 
and get wood for the school", some with axes and 
others with their oxen. Whole trees were drawn 
with a chain (twitched up) and left as they were 
drawn, for the large boys, to cut and split, as they 
were wanted for use. 



26 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

When this method was not taken; some one 
would engage to furnish wood for the school, for a 
certain price by the week. The wood was always 
green, and all the boys who were large enough to 
build the fire, would take turns in doing it, cut their 
own wood, and tend the fire through the day. 

The inhabitants took measures, early to provide 
some person "to look after their schools", but we 
find no school committees appointed till 1812, since 
then a variety of modes have been adopted for that 
purpose. The committee in 181 2 were Rev. Isaac 
Robinson, Mood}^ Cutter, Aaron Matson. 181 3, 
Isaac Robinson, Nahum Ward, Lucas Thompson. 

1814, I. Robinson, Moody Cutter, L. Thompson. 

1815, I. Robinson, L. Thompson, Nathan Gould. 

1816, None appointed. 181 7, 1. Robinson, L.Thomp- 
son, Wm. D.Mathews. 1818, I.Robinson, M. Cutter, 
Hermon Fisher. 181Q, 20 and 21, I. Robinson and 
two in each district. 1822, Rev. Isaac Robinson. 

1823, One man in each district, chosen by the district. 

1824, I. Robinson and one in each district. 1825, 6 
& 7, I. Robinson and two in each district. 1828, 
Voted that each district choose their own. 1829, 
One in each district. 1830, 31 and 32, None chosen. 
1833 & 4, Voted to dispense with the services of the 
superintending school committee as far as examin- 
ing schools is concerned. From 1834 to 1843, ^""^ 
committees chosen, an alteration in the law was 
made, and in 1843, Rev. Wm. S. Cilley, Dr. Josiah 
Fleeman, Dr. Hervey Fisher, Com. 1844, Rev. I. 
Robinson, Dr. J. Fleeman, Dr. H. Fisher. 1845, H. 
Fisher, J. Fleeman, Sumner Knight, 1846, I. Rob- 
inson, Rev. Asa Spaulding, James H. Scott. 1847, 



SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND MEETING HOUSES. 27 

I. Robinson, A. Spauklini^. J. Flecman. 1848, Isaiah 
Gould. Sumner Knight. John N. Whiton Jr. 1849, 
I. Gould. S. Knight, J. Flceman. 1850, Sumner 
Knitrht, Dr. Ira F. Prouty. Chester A. Blodget. 

1851, S. Knight, Rev. J. Britton, J. M. Whiton, Jr. 

1852, Sumner Knight. 1853, Dr. Frederick A. Car- 
penter. Dr. Carpenter died, Sumner Knight was 
appointed to fill the vacancy. 

In 17QQ a number of the citizens, formed an asso- 
ciation by the name of the Stoddard Social Library, 
for the improvement of the intellectual faculties of 
the people; and the next year (1800) it received an 
act of incorporation. 

The library was composed of about 175 volumes 
of valuable books. It was frequently enlarged, by 
an assessment on its members. It was under proper 
restricti(Mis. and good regulations, and was read 
with much interest; but as newspapers, became more 
common; Periodicals and other books much cheap- 
er; the lil)rary was neglected, the proprietors inat- 
tentive, the annual meeting was not attended; and 
in 1838, it ceased to exist, as a corporate body. 

The books, most of them, have been scattered 
among the proprietors and jjcrhaps others, without 
any regular di\ision. 

MKirriNCx HOUSES. 

The project of locating and building a meeting 
house, was before the town, at a very early period, 
in 1775 it was debated in town meeting. A house 
was built about that time, by Oliver Parker. It 
stood at the top of the hill 40 or 50 rods south of 
Gardner Towne's house, whether he built it for the 



28 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

town is uncertain. The town owned it, however, 
and in 1783, voted to move it, in front of the old 
Towne's house (where Gardner lives) and use it as 
long as they see fit; and then, Capt. Towne (Esq. 
Israel probably) agrees to pay what it is worth and 
appropriate the amount, towards building a new 
one. Whether it was moved or not is not known; 
but it was sold at auction in 1789. John Taggart 
was the purchaser, for nine pounds and two shillings 
(about 30 dollars) and converted it into a dwelling 
house and it stood a little north of Chester A. 
Blodget's house and is at the present time, a part 
of Sterns Foster's blacksmith shop. 

The proprietors of the town put up the frame of 
a meeting house, and covered the outside; but it 
was never finished. 

The people were much divided in their opinion 
upon the propriety of repairing the old meeting 
house or building a new one; previous to the time 
the old house was sold. 

In 1779 was a town meeting, to see if the town 
will accept the proposals of Oliver Parker, concern- 
ing the meeting house he built. The subject was 
before the town till 1784. Voted to build a meeting 
house the same bigness of the one in Packersfield, 
and have it finished within three years; and chose 
a committee of five to draw a plan, and empowered 
them to sell the pews, at the same time, petition the 
Legislature for some assistance, accordingly an act 
was passed, authorizing the town to lay a tax of one 
penny per acre, on all the land lying in town for 
three years; one half, to be appropriated towards 
building a meeting house 



MEETING HOUSES. 2Q 

They immediately went about building one. It 
was raised some time in September 1784, and the 
spectators were entertained at the expense of the 
town while raising it. That was the last that was 
said about building a meeting house. 

The next difficulty arose in regard to finishing it 
but this was not accomplished without much delib- 
eration and difficulty; and probably, had to resort 
to law. In 1 7QO the town voted to send to Peterboro 
for Jeremiah Smith, for advice on some dispute in 
regard to the subject. At another meeting, the 
town voted to finish the out side and paint it, and 
give the pew ground, to any man or men, who 
would finish the inside. It was taken by twelve 
men, citizens of the town, who completed the house 
for the pews. 

The old meeting house (as it has recently been 
called) was built by the town and finished by indi- 
viduals, consequently, it was both public and private 
propert}'. It was used by the town for all public 
business and kept in repair, at the town's expense. 

The Universalist Society claimed, as their right, 
the privilege of occupying it a certain number of 
Sabbaths in each year; which was a small number 
usually. They afterwards claimed a number, equal 
to their proportion of taxes; which was always 
granted by the town, and the society statedly occu- 
pying it. The Universalist society using it much 
of the time; the other society had no convenient 
place to hold their meetings; beside the house was 
getting out of repair, with no means of warming it; 
so much so that for several winters it was entirely 
unoccupied. With these difficulties in view, in 1835 



30 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

the Orthodox society took measures to build them- 
selves a new house. A committee was chosen 
consisting- of Isaiah Gould, Luke Joslin and Heman 
Evans, who were to report a plan, and location. 

The next year, 1830, the house now occupied by 
that society, was built on the spot reported by the 
committee, with a little alteration from the plan 
proposed; at a cost of something over two thousand 
dollars exclusive of the bell. 

The Universalist society not satisfied with using 
the old meeting house as it was, soon went about 
building one for themselves, and in 1838 they built 
the elegant brick church at the lower end of the 
village, with a basement story which in 1841 the 
town purchased for 400 dollars and fitted it for the 
use of the town, where all town meetings are held. 

This is the only brick building in town. 

The old meeting house, on the hill, stood some 
years exposed to the winds and storms, and was 
then sold at auction. Nathan Morse was the 
purchaser at about one hundred dollars, and con- 
verted it into his present dwelling house, 

STORES. 

The first store in town was kept by Col. Nath'l 
Evens' at his place of residence, two miles west of 
the village. It would be unreasonable to suppose, 
that he kept as great a variety as is found in most 
country stores at the present time. He sold his 
goods to Gardner Towne and they were moved, to 
what, then was called the middle of the town. 

About that time Esq. Emerson opened a store in 
his dwelling house; where Abner Knowlton, Esq. 



STORKS 31 

now lives. Mr. Towne put his goods into what was 
long known "as the white house" nearly opposite to 
where Gardner Towne, Jr.'s house now is. He after- 
wards moved three-fourths of a mile farther east, 
where the middle of the town was finally established, 
and kept the only store in town for man}^ years. 

Joseph Emerson filled the store he left on the 
hill, and traded on a large scale, but failed, and left 
town. John Evens built a store between G. Towne's 
and A. Knowlton's house, which was filled by Asa 
Evens and his son (John) in 1803. He did not con- 
tinue in business but about two years. It was not 
filled again till 181 5. Wm. D. Mathews and Abijah 
Hadley, from Hancock, filled it; after trading a 
year Mr. Hadley left and went back to Hancock, 
and Erances Matson became a partner with Mr. 
Mathews, they however soon relinquished trade. 

In 18 1 8 David Lowe and Isaac Duncan, also from 
Hancock, filled the same store with a good assort- 
ment of goods. At the decease of Esq. Towne, 
Mrs. Towne kept his goods, and trad(;d some time, 
they were then sold at auction, and Lowe and 
Duncan moved their goods into the Towne's store. 

After trading a few years, Lowe left and returned 
to Hancock. Duncan continued business several 
years, then relinquished trade. 

Previous to this, a store was kept by John Bartlcn, 
on rather a small scale, in an old building, which 
was us(?d also for his dwelling house, on the spot 
where Scripture and Whiton's store now stands. 

Harden traded between 1803 and 1813 when he 
died. 

At the time Lowe and Duncan wert^ in trade. 



32 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Reuben and Silas Biitterfield from Chelmsford, 
purchased the school house, standing between the 
old tavern stand and the burying ground, and fitted 
it up for a store. After trading some years, they 
enlarged the building and continued business several 
years longer; when they sold their goods at auction, 
and Silas left, and went to Dunstable (now Nashua) 
Henry Melville, Esq. from Nelson, filled the store, 
and Upton Burnap was sent as salesman. Their 
trade continued but one year, when Reuben Butter- 
field purchased the goods, and soon after sold to 
Otis Barden, and he to Joel W. Eaton. 

Mr. Barden built, and fitted, a store in 1830 at the 
place now owned by Luther Abbott; but his trade 
was not of long duration. 

Mr. Eaton continued trade in the Butterfield 
store till the business was moved to the foot of the 
hill, when he built the store connected with his 
dwelling house, which he occupied till his death. 

In 1833 Capt. J. F. Sanderson built the Tavern 
and store in the village. The store was filled by a 
Mr. Brainard from Washington; but did not remain 
any length of time. He carried his goods back to 
Washington. It was next filled by Cleon G. and 
Ebenezer B. Towne, they did business one year. 
Cleon left the store and Wm. H. Ireland became 
partner with Eben. After about another year Eben 
left and George W. Ireland took his place in trade. 

They finally left, went back to Boston their native 
place, and Gilman Scripture with Warren Walker 
commenced trade in the Ireland store. In about a 
year Mr. Walker left, and Scripture took John M. 
Whiton, Jr. as a partner. 



STORKS 33 

Mr. W alkrr i)urchas('(.l a hiiiklin^, that was huilt 
ami occupied as a shoj), and constructed it into a 
store and took for a partner William Murphy from 
Paper Mill village, their race was a short one, they 
remained but a few months. The store has not since 
been tilled with goods, and is about to be made into 
a dwelling house. 

Shortly after Mr. b^aton wcmt into his new store, 
he took Jonathan Cireene as a partner in trade; 
after a few years Mr. Greene left and Mr. b^aton 
continued business till his death in 1845. 

After Mr Eaton's death, his stock of goods were 
purchased by John M. W'hiton, Jr. and George C. 
Duncan in oni- year they were sold at auction. 
The store was sold and Gilman Scripture became 
the owner, and business, is carried on under the lirm 
of Scripture, Whiton and Gurtice. When Scripture 
and Whiton left the Ireland store it was unoccupied 
for some years, when John Towne fitted it and 
traded about a year, then took Eben A. Rice a 
partner. Mr Rice afterwards become connected 
with the South Stoddard Glass Gompan3^ bought 
Towne's share of the goods, and moved them to 
the south part of the town. A store was built by 
the company in 1852. 

The Ireland store was purchased b)- G. A. Blod- 
g(;tt, who still occupies it. 

A store was built at the south part of the town 
about 1843 and filled with goods by James O. Reed 
from Townisend. He remained there four or five 
years, then moved his goods to New l])swich. The 
store was made into a dwclliuLT house. 



34 HISTORY OF STODDARD, 

TAVERNS. 

Abner Knowlton's dwelling house was long used 
as a house of entertainment. It was built by Nath'l 
Emerson, Esq. and used for that purpose by him. 

After he left town, it was occupied by many 
different people, most of them kept a public house. 
Aaron Matson, Esq. bought the farm, and Frances 
his son kept a tavern when he died in 1834. It was 
used by Esq. Matson for the same purpose a short 
after. 

The old Towne's Tavern was built by Josiah 
Shapley many years ago. Esq. Gardner Towne 
became the owner of it, and it has ever been in the 
hands of his family. Isaac Duncan, Esq. kept it 
several years after the death of Esq. Towne, and 
until the business was done at the foot of the hill. 

Capt. J. F. Sanderson put up the large Tavern 
house in the village, in 1833 and partially finished 
it. I. Duncan purchased it, finished and kept it as 
a house of entertainment. It is now owned by 
Loyal Dodge, and occupied by David T. Petts. 
The old Tavern house, barns and out buildings 
have been taken down, the last seasons (1852 and 3) 
and new ones put in their places; all in a superior 
and thorough style by C. B. Towne of Boston. 

A Tavern was built at the South part of the town 
by John Robb about the time the Forest road was 
opened the owners and occupants since that time, 
have been numerous. It is now owned by Luman 
Weeks and Frederick A. Gilson and kept by Mr. 
Gilson. It is a noted place, and is known by the 
name of the Box. The name being so singular; the 
enquiry is often made. What was the origin of so 



POST OFFICES. 35 

Strange a name? There are several causes given as 
to its origin; but which is the true one, is uncertain; 
hut the person, who had the honor of giving it its 
name, froze to death one night going home from 
"the Box." Otis Barden built the house where 
Luther Abbott lives, intending it for the "travelers' 
home," but he left town soon after, and it has never 
been ,used as such since. 

POST OFFICES. 

The first post office in town, was established in 
1822, and Isaac Duncan was appointed post master. 

The mail was carried by Peter Jacobs a resident 
of Marlow. The mail was carried in a one-horse 
sleigh. The carrier provided himself with a large 
tin horn, and would blow several blasts upon it, 
before arriving at the offices. 

Previous to this, any person, receiving or depos- 
iting letters was under the necessity of going to 
Keene or Jaffrey and any one wishing to take a 
stage, must go to one of the above named places. 

A post office had been established in Washington, 
and a stage passed through that town that accomo- 
dated the people in the north part of the town. 

Those who have been appointed post masters are 
Isaac Duncan, Wm. H. Ireland, Ashley Jones, Isaac 
Duncan (a second term) John M. Whiton. Jr. the 
present incumbent. 

Since the Forest road was opened for travel a 
line of stages, has run over it constantly, from 
Charlestown through this town to Boston three 
times a week and back. Four, and sometimes six 
horses, have been used, with full freight. The 



36 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

business has diminished, in some measure since the 

opening of the Cheshire Rail Road. 

As soon as the Keene and Concord road was 

built a post office was located at the south part of 

the town known as the South Stoddard Post Office- 
Postmasters have been Nathan Bailey, James 

Wilson, Wm. L. Lewis and Manley W. McClure. 
A two horse coach has run over this road from 

Concord to Keene three times a week. 

MILLS. 

Many of the luxuries of life are derived from the 
grist mill. It is from that, we obtain our "daily 
bread." 

Stoddard was never much celebrated for the 
elegance of the mills. The first grist mill was built 
by Silas Wright, afterwards known as Major Wright, 
in what is called Mill Village. It has undergone 
many repairs and been several times rebuilt and 
owned by many diferent individuals; and is still the 
only one in town. It is owned by Israel F. Towne. 

A mill was built, and did considerable business 
among neighbors, by John Henry, at the outlet of 
the pond, called Henry's pond near the place where 
Luther Abbott's factory stands. It was in use 
about 1790. A small grist mill stood on the stream 
that empties into Factory pond, south of Nathan 
Nye's residence, about the year 1800 owned by 
Israel Abbott. It was afterwards rebuilt by Reuben 
Barrett, Jr. and did grinding for the neighbors. 

Capt. Samuel Robb, built a grist and sawmill, 
near the residence of his son James; and carried on 
business and did grinding for many years, but it 



MILLS AND FTRKS. 37 

was not noted for much elegance and good order. 

A mill long known as Chandler's mill, was built 
by Daniel Foster, and did considerable business 
many years ago. A sawmill still stands on the spot. 

It has changed owners many times, and is about 
to be rebuilt, and is intended to do a good business 
yet. It is owned by Cummings Moor. 

There are six saw mills in operation in town, at 
present, owned by John and Ephraim Stevens, 
Edward Reed, Israel F. Towne, Samuel Robb. 
Moor, Robb and his son, have built in the last 
season (1853) a saw mill and pail factory, between 
Island pond, and Samuel Robb's mill, where they 
intend doing a good business. 

BUILDINGS THAT HAVE BEEN BURNT. 

1. The first on the catalogue, since the com- 
mencement of the present century, was a building 
that once was a dwelling house, although not occu- 
pied as such; standing between Charles Worcester's 
house and the top of the hill. It took fire by drying 
flax by the fire place. 

2. A dwelling house owned by Esq. G. Towne, 
standing 30 or 40 rods south of the old burying 
ground and was occupied by Mr. Samuel Dow. 

3. A small dwelling house owned and occupied 
by Josiah Cram, being near the south line of the 
town, near the Jonas Wilson place. 

4. An out house, and carriage house, of Esq. 
Matson was burnt in the day time. It took fire 
from an arch where they had been boiling sap. 

5. Ebenezer Tarbox's house, barns, and all his 
out buildings, with his fences, were burnt in the day 



38 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

time during a severe drouth, and high wind, Sept. 
1829. 

6. The dwelling house, shop and all the out 
buildings of Isaiah Gould were burnt in the night, 
January 1839. 

7. Luther Wilson's dwelling with all its contents 
was burnt in the day-time 1841. The origin of the 
fire is unknown. 

8. A barn belonging to Edward Carrol was burnt 
by lightning. 

9. A woolen factory, built by Otis Barden, stand- 
ing where Luther Abbott's factory is built, was 
burnt supposed by an incendiary. 

10. A large two story house, was accidentally 
set on fire in the evening with a candle; owned and 
occupied by Marcus Richardson, 1842. 

11. The Glass factory, owned by Scripture 
Whiton and Curtice was burnt in 1847. 

12. Two dwelling houses, wood and carriage 
house, owned by Isaiah Reed, Esq. and his son were 
burnt 1848. 

13. Two school houses in district No. 4, one in 
1802, the other in 1810 or about that time. 

14. A school house in district No. 3, near Col- 
Wilson's, 1839. 

15. An old school house in the middle of the 
town owned by John Towne, 1848, supposed to be 
set on fire. 

16. The Blacksmith shop at the south part of 
the town, formerly owned by Luther Wilson, 1845. 

rONDS. 

Stoddard is somewhat celebrated for the number 



PONDS. 3Q 

of ponds it contains; formerly there were fourteen, 
that bore the name of ponds, several of them have 
been drained and have grown up with grass and 
weeds, that they scarce deserve the name. 

The largest is the one lying between this town 
and Nelson, and is known as the Factory pond, from 
the fact, of a cotton factory standing at the outlet 
of it. This pond is more than a mile from east to 
west, and three-fourths of a mile from north to south, 
more than one-half of it lies in Nelson. Forty or 
fifty rods, from the eastern shore, is an Island of 
between two and three acres. Its bottom is sandy 
and its shores pleasant. It is stored with trout of a 
large size. Some have been taken, weighing live 
and six pounds. They are not easily caught. They 
never could be persuaded to bite a hook. They 
usually approach near the shore in the month of 
October (the spawning season) when they have 
sometimes been killed with muskets. West of the 
island, water is found to be no feet deep. The 
pond is fed by several small streams running into it, 
from all directions. 

Center pond, being three-fourths of a mile in a 
south westerly direction from the middle of the 
town. From its location, probably it received its 
name. It is of a circular form, of considerable 
magnitude and is surrounded by high hills. Former- 
ly considerable quantities of Pickerel, Perch, and 
and other fish, have been caught there; but in late 
3^ears, few have been taken. 

Long pond extends from jNIill village into Wash- 
ington, and is the largest collection of water in town, 
but it is known by different names as Stacy's pond, 



40 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Mud pond, &c. It is in some places merel}^ a river 
of two or three rods in width, to a half a mile. 

The bottom is muddy, and its shores mostly lined 
with bushes. Its waters are stored with a variety 
of fish, and in great abundance. Fishermen from 
the neighboring towns, and even from 40 miles dis- 
tant, resort there on a fishing excursion, and often 
carry off more than a hundred pounds of Pickerel, 
Perch, Horn pouts, &c. 

Island pond lying half a mile below Mill village 
is a large collection of water. It contains nine 
islands. This also has fish of various kinds and it 
is sought by many people to obtain them. 

The water in the above named ponds, run a south 
easterly direction, nearl}^ to the south village, when 
they unite with a stream, having its head in Nelson 
then running a north east course, and form a branch 
of the Contoocook river, and empty into the Merri- 
mac. 

Trout pond is situated in the north east part of 
of the town. It takes its name from the kind of 
fish, that are found in it. It is not large. 

Rye pond is at the south east corner of the town. 

It derived its name, from the waving of the long 
grass, that springs up out of its water. In it stands 
the land mark that bounds Stoddard on that corner 
of it. It is not noted for any thing in particular. 

It is mostly grown up with weeds, it has been 
admired for the abundance of white lillies it con- 
tained. 

Reed's pond, located near where Joshua Reed 
once resided, and still bears his name. It has been 
drained and is mostly grown up. It formerly pro- 



PONDS. 41 

duccd lillies in abuiulance. 

Botx pond is near the residence of 1'.. Vox, Esq. 

It has been th'uined. and is covered with a jjoor 
kind of trrass, and is mowed in dry seasons. 

Henry's pond derived its name from the j^erson 
living near it, is not an extensive bod}- of water and 
is not memorable for an^'thing. Mills have been 
erected at the outlet, but the water privilege is not 
great. 

Taylor's pond lying at the south west part of the 
town is a body of water of considerable extent and 
derived its name from Esq. Taylor living near, and 
owning the land around it. 

All waters in the westerly part of the town empty 
into a branch of the Ashuelot river, and this river 
into the Connecticut at Hinsdale. 

The streams on the east part of the town empty 
into the Contoocook and on to the Merrimac river. 

The height of land between these two ri\'ers, 
passes nearly through the center of the town, north 
and south. 

The old Towne house now owned by (lardner, jr. 
stands so completely on the ridge, that watc-r, run- 
ning from the roof on the east side, goes into the 
Merrimac river; that on the west side, passes on, 
and goes into the Connecticut. 

The dam across the stream at Mill \illage, throws 
the water l)ack six miles, before coming to falls. 

New Hampshire has long been called the "Swit- 
zerland of America." Stoddard may with as much 
propriety be called the .Switzerland of New 1 lamp- 
shire. Eor no town has so high hills, so deep valleys, 
so ragged precijiices, or so huge rocks. 



42 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

The hills are mostly known, by the name of the 
owner or some person living near, for instance the 
Dakin hill, the Morrison hill, the Shedd hill, the 
Blood hill, &c. But no one is so high and so much 
celebrated as the Pitcher hill. This is on the high 
range between the Connecticut and Merrimac rivers 
and is the highest land in the county except the 
Monadnock. 

A monument of rough stones, was built on the 
pinnacle of this hill by Oilman Joslin, of Boston and 
his brother Edward, of Keene. By some accident 
it was thrown down. It was rebuilt by Oilman 
Joslin and Isaiah Gould in 1848. It consists of such 
stones as could be rolled together, and is in the 
form of a pyramid, the stones being square. It was 
built "without the sound of the hammer or any 
other tool being heard." Although it is but nine 
feet high, it is seen at a distance of several miles. 

Stoddard has ever been a healthy town. No 
disorder has prevailed to any great degree. The 
number of deaths for the last fifty years, have been 
about twelve each year, on an average, the greatest 
number in any one year was in 1S16, there were 
twenty-eight deaths that year, in 1824 there were 
twenty-three, and twenty-four in 1853. The small- 
est number in any year, was about 1830, the precise 
year is not known, four persons only died that year. 

In the spring of 1840, John Stevens and his wife 
died of the Small Pox. What has ever been con- 
sidered a mystery, is, by what means they took it; 
and what is still more mysterious, that no other 
person had it, although many were exposed. These 
circumstances were so unaccountable, that many 



OLD rKOl'LE. 43 

were iinwillinij: to l)elieve the disorder to be Small 
Pox; hut Physicians, aiul others who had been 
extensively acquainted with that disease pronounced 
it to be Small Pox, of the most malignant character. 

One person onl3^ has ever lived to be one hundred 
yenrs old. That person was Antipas Dodge, who 
lived at the north east part of the town. He was 
married at the age; of ninety years. The ceremony 
was performed in the highway, in order to avoid 
the liability (as he said) of paying some debts that 
were standing against his wife. When he was ninety- 
five, he worked his highway tax on the road, and 
was allowed man's wages at the age of one hundrc;d 
and three years, he moved to Goffstouni where he 
died in 1835, aged 107. 

The oldest person ever died in town, was in the 
past year (1853) at the age of 97. Those who have 
lived to go yrs. and over, are: 

Mrs. Alexander Scott Died Aged 93 

Isaac rhomi)son I )ied, 1 823 94 

Enos Goodak; 1836 gi 

Peter Wright 1 843 g i 

Mrs. John Greene 1848 g3 

Jacob Copeland, Esq 1837 gi 

Mrs. David Scott 1848 g2 

Mrs. James Barden g5 

Mrs. Ephraim Adams 1844 go 

Mrs. Daniel Locke 181 4 g3 

Jonathan Thompson, died in Alstead 1845 g4 

Mrs. Saniu(;l Dow 1853 g7 

Mrs. Benjamin Davis 1853 gs 

There are eleven persons now living in town over 
80 years of age viz.: Dan forth la^'lor, Esq. 84, Mrs. 



44 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Taylor 84, Willard Corey 82, Mrs. Willard Mansfield 
84;'Mrs. John Taggart 82, Mrs. Richard Richardson 
88, Mrs. Ziba Richardson 85, Mrs James Wilson 82, 
Mr. Samuel Nickols 81, (since died) Mr. Elijah 
Dodge 85, Mrs. Jonathan Jefts 87 (since died.) 

CASUAL OR ACCIDENTAL DEATHS, 
WITHIN THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. 

John Wright, son of Stephen Wright, a lad of 
16 years of age, was killed while at work in the mill 
yard, in Mill Village, by rags rolling over him about 
the year 1805. 

Grace Towne, daughter of Israel Towne was 
instantly killed, by the falling of a stub in the pas- 
ture. She with her brothers were after a bird's nest 
that was supposed to be in it in 1806 or 7. 

Jesse Barden was drowned while bathing in the 
pond below the mill, at Mill Village 181 2, aged 17. 

A daughter of Danforth Taylor, Jr. was scalded 
by throwing over a tub of hot water, she died the 
next day, March 1816. 

Jonas Wilson was thrown from his horse, and 
broke his neck. His sons, with the assistance of 
other boys, obtained a wagon and carried him to 
his residence about a mile before they discovered 
he was dead, in 1821, aged 42. 

Isaac Barrett an aged man, was flung from his 
horse, his foot held in the stirrup, his horse run 
with him in this condition, and was killed in 1822. 

In 1823 Joel Flint was handling some boards, in 
which were nails. He accidentally pricked the 
inside of his thumb with the point of a nail. It was 
soon painful, began to swell and inflame, which 



ACCIDENTAL DEATHS. 45 

caused his death in three days. 

Hannah Booth, a maiden lady livin,<x at the; east 
part of the town, fell backwards down the? cc^llar 
stairs and was killed in 1824, aged 55. 

Same year Micajah Mears was taking care of 
Cyrus Flint, a raving maniac. As he was sitting by 
the tire, Flint seized the fire shovel, and struck him 
across the forehead, fracturing the skull, he died in 
three or four days, the same 3'ear. 

A child of Luke Holmes was burnt to death l:)y 
its clothes taking fire and died in a few hours, also 
in 1824, Nathaniel Blodgett was dressing a calf. In 
splitting the brisket, he stuck his knife into his thigh, 
cut the main artery, which caused his dt-ath in a few 
days. 

Willard Si)aulding went fishing alone in a canoe, 
he fell overboard and was drowned. 

Aaron Fairbanks had been fishing, he did not 
return as was expected, his family was not alarmed 
al)out him, as he was in the habit of working from 
home, much of the time. After becoming satisfied 
that he was lost, diligent search was made and he 
was found in a pasture after having been exposed 
to the sun and heat, several days. 

Capt. Samuel Robb, had been to a town-meeting. 

In going home, he wandered from the road, got 
lost among the bushes, where he was found dead. 
the next day in 1833, aged 73. 

James Wilson, 2nd, son of Capt. |oc;l Wilson, was 
at work in the woods, when a limb fell from a tree, 
and struck liim on his head, he died in a lew days, 
aged 24. 

Mrs. Messenger, wife of Marshal MessengcM-, aged 



46 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

29, and a domestic by the name of Mary Carter, 
were instantly killed by lightning, 1835. 

Asaph Reed was frozen to death going home from 
the village in South Stoddard, aged 49. 

Joseph Butler was instantly killed while blasting 
rocks, aged about 25, 

July 1848 Hervey Uunclee was thrown from a 
load of hay, by a sudden start of the oxen. The 
cart wheel passed over his body, which caused his 
death in four days, aged 23. 

July 1850 Albert Joslin, a promising and enter- 
prising young man, was drowned in Keene while 
bathing, aged 22. 

March 1853 Henry Whitman was digging sand in 
the employment of the Granite Glass Company. 
He incautiously dug under a bank when it sud- 
denly caved in upon him crushing him under its 
weight and killing him instantly, aged 17. 

Peter Aneas (an Irishman) was drowned while 
bathing in Stacy's pond August 1853, aged about 40. 

Others have died suddenly without any known 
cause or disorder. Among them are Lemuel Farns- 
worth, Samuel Messenger, Major Nath'l Friend, 
Mrs. Simeon Gould, Mrs. Willard Corey, Samuel 
Emerson and probably others. 

The first person that was known, to have died in 
town, was frozen to death. He was a hunter by the 
name of Abbott. He had a line of traps from Cen- 
ter pond extending clown the stream towards Keene. 

He went to his traps, one extremely cold day, but 
did not return as was expected, search was made 
and he was found on the hill north of Nathan Nye's 
orchard. It appeared by his tracks, that he came 



CEMETERIES. 47 

up the pond on snow shoes and began to falter 
before leavinij^ it. by his tracts being short and irreg- 
ular and overcome by hunger, cold and fatigue, he 
expired in the snow. 

There have been, in the last fifty years, nine cases 
of suicide whose ages are from 17 to 73 years. 

Some of them were the most wealthy, and useful 
citizens, and all with one exception in the i)rime of 
life, and to api)earancc; in the enjoy nient of health 
and i)rosperity. 

CEMETERIES. 

The first place in town, used for a place for the 
burial of the dead; was north of the Brick church 
probably on the south east corner of Capt. Joel 
Wilson's land. This spot was soon relinquished; 
and at present no appearance of graves, are to be 
seen, and it is a question with many, whether such 
a thing ever existed. Another place was selected 
on the hill 40 or 50 rods south of Gardner Towne's 
buildings, where some gravestones are still to be 
found. They are of the rudest kind, such as were 
found among the ledges without any workmanshij), 
but the hand of nature, except letters cut with such 
tools as were then obtained. One stone has the 
letters A. D. another S. D. it is supposed thc^y stood 
at the graves of Asa and Sally Dutton. 

When a place for the middle of the town was 
seU'Cted and the meeting house located, a number 
of acres were reserved for a common and a burying 
ground. This was the principle, and lor many 
years, the only place of intc^rment in town. The 
oldest gravestones in this yard bears the date of 



48 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

January i, 1792, where a child of Joshua Reed was 
buried. Whether it was the first occupant is uncer- 
tain. It is supposed that some children of Benjamin 
Davis were buried there before, and perhaps others. 

But convenience required, that other places should 
be provided. Consequently a small piece of ground 
was procured of Mr. J efts in the north-west part of 
the town, where those who have died in that part 
of the town have found a "resting place." In the 
west part of the town, (Leominster corner) a piece 
of ground was purchased of Mr. Parmenter, and 
fenced by the voluntary labor of the neighbors, 
where the remains of many of the citizens of the 
neighborhood, are deposited, with suitable monu- 
ments to designate the spot. 

In the south part of the town, is another yard or 
burial place, for the use of the neighbors and vicinity. 

It was a gratuity of Capt. Samuel Robb. It is a 
pleasant and feasible spot and is the most suitable 
for that purpose of any in town. 

Still there is another in the middle of the town, 
on land of Sterns Foster. This is owned by indi- 
viduals and is laid out in lots, and each lot numbered. 

A small piece of ground is enclosed on land of 
John Stevens, used for a family burying place, 
principally. Its first occupants, were John Stevens 
(Seignor) and his wife, who died of Small Pox in 
1840. Their children have enclosed it with a sub- 
stantial stone wall and have erected at their expense, 
an elegant marble monument over the remains of 
their deceased parents. 

The several cemeteries in town are enclosed with 
a stone wall, and in most instances, the mouldering 



MAINTAINANCE OF THE POOR. 4^ 

remains of friends and relatives are designated by 
the stone that marks the spot. 

MAINTAINANCE OF THE POOR. 

Laws have always existed, which require, that 
poor persons, who have not the means to support 
themselves, should be maintained at the expense of 
the town where they should have a settlement. 

The most ancient law to define the settlement of 
a poor person, was the "warning out" law. Any 
persons coming into any town, had a settlement in 
that town unless in the course of a year they were 
warned out. This was law not only in this state, 
but in most of the New England states. 

For this purpose when a person or familycame into 
a town, the selectmen would issue their warrant to 
a constable under their hand and seal, ordering him 
to warn them out of town. The precept was served 
in the usual way, and ordering him or them, to 
depart immediately. Each member of the family, 
niust be personally named. Thfe town would not 
be liable for their support, should they become poor, 
when this was legally done, although they might 
remain in town, as long as they chose. Accordingly 
many who proved to be the most wealthy and valu- 
able citizens, received the summons to immediately 
depart. This law was repealed in 1796. 

The method that this, and most other towns, took 
to maintain their poor, was to "vendue them," and 
often men, who had not the means to support their 
own families, would take some of the town's poor, 
so that the amount received, would help them to 
provision to support their own families, and those 



50 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

who were unfortunately poor, were handed over to 
the tender mercies of the man who would keep them 
the cheapest. This for many years was the cause 
of much deliberation, and sometimes angry debate 
in town-meeting. It was contended that the poor 
were not properly taken care of, they were not 
always provided with suitable "meats and drinks," 
and were otherwise neglected and abused. 

It was afterwards required that the person, "bid- 
ding them off" should receive the approbation of the 
town, before taking them into their care. This 
method did not prove to be very satisfactory; for 
there were but few men in town, who were not 
considered "suitable" on a town-meeting day; and 
the poor often went into the hands of persons, no 
ways suitable to take charge of them. Sometimes 
they would be 'bid off' by some responsible person, 
and then disposed of to some more unworthy neigh- 
bor. In 1 829 the town voted to vendue the poor, 
all who were on the town, and all who should come 
on. The person bidding them off, should receive 
the approbation of the town and run the whole risk, 
except the funeral charges (should any die) and 
the doctor's bill. They were bid off by Isaac Fisher 
for 224 dollars. It was customary for several years, 
from that time, to vendue the "doctoring of the 
town's poor." It was bid off, by one of the physicians 
and cost from ten to fifteen dollars. This course 
was pursued most of the time, till the town purchas- 
ed their farm in 1848. 

In 1830 the poor was bid off by Reuel Dodge on 
the same conditions as the previous year for 223 
dollars. 1831 bid off by Wm. Howard for 266 



THE POOR. 51 

dollars. 1832 sold to John Robb for 269 dollars, &c. 

In iS40thc town's poor were sold for three years, 
all that were on the town, and all that should come 
on, and clear the town of every expense. They 
were bid off by Thomas Spaulding at 400 dollars a 
3'ear. They were afterwards taken by Loyal Dodge 
who fulfilled Mr. Spaulding's contract. In 1843 the 
town hired John Stevens and his wife, together with 
his farm, stock and tools. 1844 Harrison Chase 
took the paupers to clear the town of every expense 
for 350 dollars. Mr. Chase died before the close of 
the year, but his wife kept them the time out. In 
1846 and 7 they were let to Dexter Fletcher for 350 
dollars a year. 

No method seemed to give satisfaction. The 
expediency' of purchasing a farm, was often debated 
in town-meeting and sometimes a majority of the 
voters, were in favor of it. A committee was chosen , 
for that purpose, at two or more different times, 
but the project was never executed till 1848. The 
town by their committee consisting of Chancey 
Jones, Silas Dinsmore and Willard Spaulding 
purchased of Frederick Brooks, the farm they now 
occupy for two thousand dollars. Eight individuals 
all aged people were moved on to it, the paupers of 
the town. Two died the first year. 

After purchasing provisions of every discription, 
and refitting the house, in order to better accommo- 
date the family and hiring much extra labor, the 
expense of keeping the paupers over and above the 
income, was 350 dollars, in 1849 w^iole expense was 
315 dollars, 1850 expense 108 dollars, 1851 245 dollars, 
1852 there was an income of $3.27. 1853 whole 



52 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

cost was 73 dollars. 

Since purchasing the farm, between 25 and 30 
different persons have received support from it. 

Eleven have died whose average age is about 76 
years, three were over 70, four over 80 and two over 
go years. 

For the last four years John S Wilson has been 
overseer of the poor, and Elias D. Elliott and 
Perkins W. Hopkins have charge of the farm, two 
years each. 

PROFESSIONAL MEN. 

The names of the Clergymen will be found in the 
ecclesiastical part of this work. 

PHYSICIANS. 

There was a physician in town, very early in its 
history by the name of Willard Frink, very little is 
known of him. The first who remained any length 
of time was Ward Eddy, he came from Dublin in 
1782 or 3, and filled some town offices, and died in 
town at an advanced age, although he went to Ver- 
mont and was gone several years. 

Asher Loveland came to town from Gilsum in 
1790. He was an enterprising man and a skillful 
physician, he did a large amount of business; but 
unfortunately was always poor. Died, 184Q, aged 80. 

Jonas Flint, a physician from St. Johnbury, Vt. 
although a native of Westmoreland, came to town 
in 1802, he remained but a few years and went to 
some town in Vermont. 

Nathaniel Worcester came from Jaffrey about 
1810, died, 1823, aged 42. 



rUOKESSIONAL MEN. 



^.S 



Mcrvcy Fisher was a native of this town, he; 
stndied medicine and went into practice in i.SiS. 
Died, 1S47, ai^ed 55. 

Jonathan Knight from Westmoreland, settled in 
town in 1815. He married and left town, 1817, and 
went back to Westmoreland, afterwards practiced 
in Tunbridge, Vt., returned again to town in 1825, 
left in 1837, and went to Piermont, where he still 
resides, but has given up practice. 

Josiah Fleeman, from Alstead, came to town and 
was the principal physician for several years, lie 
married the daughter of Wilder Knight, (an only 
child,) he with Mr. Knight's family left town in 1850 
and are now at East W' ilton. 

Ira F. Prouty from Paper Mill Village (Alstead) 
in 1850 and remained but two years. 

F"rederick A. Carpenter, a descendant of Dr. 
Carpenter of Alstead, was the only practicing phy- 
sician about two years, his health failed, and his 
place was supplied by Dr. D. W. Hazeltine formerly 
of Antrim, the only physician in town. 1 )r. CarpcMi- 
ter died, April 1854. 

LAWYERS. 

Stoddard was never much celebrated, for the 
limbs of the law, who have favored the town with 
their services. 

Moody Cutter was the only Pettifogger who 
remained in town any length of time. 1 lis practice- 
consisted chierty of small cases of litigation in his 
own town. Me came from New i|)swich, as early 
as 1808 or 10. Died, 1S27, aged 44. 

John M. Foster was in town a few years, about 



54 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

1807 or 8, but not finding sufficient employment he 
soon left. 

A young lawyer, by the name of Prescott, came 
into town from Westford, and was here a short 
time about 1810 or 12. He went to Greenfield and 
remained several years. 

But a small number of the young men in this 
town have engaged in the learned professions; and 
it is a singular fact, that but one has ever received 
a college education. 

Rev. Wm. D. Wilson, D. D. son of Wm. Wilson, 
Esq, is undoubtedly the most thorough scholar, ever 
went from town. After having been well fitted for 
college, he entered the divinity school at Cambridge 
and after graduating with honor, engaged in the 
ministry. He spent several years in different places, 
and then became connected with the Geneva Col- 
lege, N. Y., where he still remains, and is a professor 
and a useful man. 

Rev. Moses Gerould, a very popular and energetic 
Orthodox clergyman, is a native of this town. He 
was first settled in Alstead (East Parish) and 
remained several years. He left and went to Hins- 
dale a few years, and at present, is settled over a 
society in Canaan, N. H. 

James Loveland, quite a celebrated minister of 
the Methodist order, is from this place, and is 
located at Charlestown, Mass, Henry S. Loveland, 
his brother, is also a Methodist preacher, and is in 
California. 

Wm. W. Wilson is a preacher of the Universalist 
order and is engaged in the state of Maine. 

Frederick A. Cutter is the only person who went 



MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURERS. 55 

from town and enf]fa<:^ecl in the practice of medicine. 

He studied with Dr. Fisher principally', and wcMit 
to Canada, where he reniains. 

John Nichols is a Counsellor at Law, and is es- 
tablished in business in Wisconsin. He is from this 
town, and the only one, who has received a colle<^e 
education. 

MECHANICS AND MANUFACTURERS. 

Less has been done in this town in mechanical 
arts or in manufacturing, than most towns, no 
mechanical business more than the wants of the 
people require. 

A small Woolen factory- was built by Otis Harden 
at the outlet of 1 lenry's pond on the road to Marlow. 

He failed in business; the factory was afterwards 
burnt. It has been rebuilt by Luther Abbott, but 
has not yet been put in operation. 

The largest business ever carried on in town is 
the manufacturing of Glass Bottles. 

In 1842 Joseph Foster came from Keene and built 
a furnace (of stone principally) in an old house west 
from Gilson's tavern, and run it a short time, but 
having no capital, he failed in business. He after- 
wards built anoth(^r 80 rods north of the village, but 
again failed. 

Oilman Scrii)tur(;, John M. Whiton, Jr. and Calvin 
Curtice built a large factory for making bottk-s at 
Mill Village in 1846, and were doing a proiitable 
business. The next winter the factory was burnt. 

It was soon rebuilt. They are making annually 
about 2500 dollars' worth of bottles of various sizes 
and descriptions. 



56 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Another factory was built at the south part of the 
town for the same purpose in 1850 by Luman Weeks, 
Almon Woods, Ebenezer A. Rice, Nicholas Hill and 
Fred A. Gilson, where they carried on business two 
years when Messrs. Woods & Hill left the company, 
after another year Mr. Rice sold out, the business 
is carried on by Messrs. Weeks and Gilson, they 
are doing a good business, but something less than 
the other company. 

For several years, considerable business has been 
carried on in Rake making by Jacob Taylor, Jona- 
than Jefts and Samuel Robb. The Jeft's rakes have 
been considered the best, there is in use. Messrs. 
Taylor and Robb, make a very good article. Mr. 
Jefts and his son who carried on rake making, have 
died, the business is done by I. Hodgman. The 
three shops make over one thousand dozen annually. 

Hoe handles are manufactured by Benjamin 
F. Messer & Samuel Robb, more than three thous- 
and dozen are disposed of annually, others have 
been engaged in the business formerly. 

Bobbins were once made by James Boyd, and 
others at the place where Samuel Robb's shop stands. 

This shop has recently been purchased by I. B. 
Sawtell from Townsend, where he is engaged in 
making Powder kegs. 

S. Robb has built a new shop the last season (1853) 
and will increase his business. 

There are two tanneries in Mill Village owned by 
Ferdinand O. Cutter and Gardner Towne, Esq. who 
are doing a profitable business. 

A tannery was once in successful operation in the 
village. The vats were under Wm. F. Loomis' 



REVOLUTION. 57 

dwelling house, and the buildings stood where the 
tavern now stands. 

In 1830 the compiler began to manufacture Ox 
Yokes for the Boston market, and has continued in 
the business to the present time and has disposed 
of nearly four thousand yokes, principally to that 
market. No one thought the business sufficiently 
lucrative to engage in it till 1850. Since then, 
several others are engaged in the business and 
probably in the course of the year 1854 as many as 
seven thousand yokes will be disposed of at Boston. 
Those engaged are Nathan Gould, Gardner Towne, 
Edwin Jenkins, Heman Jenkins, Edwin R. Locke 
and some others. 

F"ormerly cabinet furniture was made for the 
people in town, sleighs and wagons were to some 
extent, towards supplying the demandsof the inhab- 
itants; with a sufficient number of blacksmiths and 
shoemakers, for the wants of the people. At the 
present time no furniture, neither carriages of any 
kind are made in town and a great part of the boots 
and shoes are furnished by the merchants. 

WAR OF TIIK RK VOLUTION. 

At the commencement of the American Revo- 
lution, Stoddard was in its infancy, it having been 
incorporated with town privileges but the year 
before and contained probably not more than 30 
men fit for actual service, yet she furnished her 
share of men and money to carry on the contest. 

We have no means of knowing how many men, 
belonging to town, were actually engaged in the war, 
nor who they were, but by what can be gathered 



58 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

from the town records, and from the recollection of 
some of the aged inhabitants. 

We first learn from the records in 1776 a town- 
meeting was called to choose two selectmen in the 
room of Nathaniel Emerson and Isaac Temple who 
were going into the Continental army. In the 
record of the proceedings of the said meeting, chose 
two selectmen in the room of Nathaniel Emerson 
and Isaac Temple who have gone into the Conti- 
nental army. In 1777 the town voted to raise go 
pounds as a bounty, to pay three men to serve in 
the continental army. In 1778 voted 100 pounds to 
hire a man for the army. Same year voted Mr. 
Abraham Morrison 30 pound for his son in the army. 

Which son, the above vote referred to, is not 
mentioned, most probable it was Samuel as he was 
out in a large part of it, then voted that Benjamin 
Davis, should pay it, and it should go for his turn. 

1780 a town-meeting to see what sum of money 
the town will raise to purchase beef for the army, 
which the general court requires of us. Voted to 
raise 180 pounds to purchase beef. In 1781, voted 
to raise 300 silver dollars for raising three soldiers 
for three years. At another time a town-meeting 
to see if the town will provide for the family of 
Richard Richardso*n, according to an act of the 
general court. Mr. Richardson was in the army, 
and laws required that his family should be provided 
for at the expense of the town. In 1785 was an 
article in a warrant for town-meeting to see if the 
town will allow Samuel Morrison any compensation 
for the last three years in the army. 

From the foregoing extracts, and the best infor- 



RF.VOI.UTION. 5Q 

mation that can be otherwise obtained, we have 
reason to believe that the following persons served 
in some part of the Revolution and were at the time; 
citizens of town. Viz: Nathaniel Emerson, Richard 
Richardson, John Robb, Benjamin Dunn, Samuel 
Morrison, Samuel Robb (Continental Samashe was 
called) John Taggart, Isaac Temple, Isaac Kinney, 
Ephraim Adams, Nathaniel Richardson, Joseph 
Dodge and John Ober, the three last never returned 
to town. Mr. Dodge died of the Small Pox at 
Philadelphia. Mr. Ober was killed by Indians. 

It is to be regreted, that measures have not been 
taken to preserve from the shades of oblivion, more 
of the history and public services, of the men, who 
were engaged in the war of the Revolution. No 
individual of them are living in town, and very few 
are to be found in the country and they very aged. 

All that is known of their services, is what has 
been handed down to succeeding generations by 
those veterans of the Revolution as they were rela- 
ted at the fireside and in the social circle. 

After the close of the war and early in the settle- 
ment of the town more than 70 of the soldiers, had 
a permanent residence in this town, but no one of 
them are now living and no record of .their services 
are found, nothing but their names are left that 
posterity and their country niay know the deeds of 
valor they performed. 

Soldiers of the Revolution who afterwards lived 
in town. 
David Allen, Joseph Brockway, Samuel Dow, 

Bunton, Ephraim Adams. John Davis, 

John Adams. Ebenezer Blake, Nath'l Emerson. 



6o HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Job Brooks, Bariich Bolster, Nathaniel Evens, 
Tim'y Baker, Jacob Blodgett, Simeon Fisk, 
John Brown, Aaron Fairbanks, James Barden, 
Philip Barden, Harbor Farnsworth, John Barker, 
Isaac Barrett, Sam'l Farnsworth, Benjamin Dunn, 
Nath'l Gibson, Sam'l Messenger, Samuel Robb, 
Simeon Gould, Thomas Nichols, Capt. Sam'l Robb, 
Sam'l Gerould, Dennis Organ, James Scott, 
Benj. Howard, John Ober, David Scott, 

Levi Parker, Oliver Hodgman, Ebenezer Stacy, 
Nath'n Hardy,Joseph Procter, Asa Stevens, 
Isaiah Hardy, Jonathan Petts, Benjamin Tarble, 
Wm. Pitcher, Isaac Thompson, George Holmes, 
David Jenkins, Jonth'n Thompson, Edw'd Phelps, 
Nath'l Joslin, Levi Phelps, John Taggart, 

David Joslin, Samuel Wilson, Joshua Reed, -^^^ — 
Obod'h Jenkins,Nath'l Richardson, Samuel Wasson, 
Lem'l Jenkins, Rich. Richardson, Peter Wright, 
Sam. Morrison, El'nathan Reed,>(, Ebenezer Wright, 
The only record of enlistment or term of service 
I have been able to obtain, was made with David 
Joslin and is taken from the history of Leominster, 
by Hon. David Wilder; and as posterity seems to 
demand that all documents of that kind, should be 
preserved; I insert the contract verbatim. 

Leominster, April lo, I'jSi. 
I, the subscriber, do engage to serve in the 
Continental army, for three years, unless sooner 
discharged; for the class, that Capt. Joshua Wood 
is the head of, provided the class pay me two 
thousand dollars in paper money, or silver at the 
exchange before I go and eighteen three-year-old 



ENLISTMENT. 6 1 

mitldlin<:^ cattle; j^rovitlccl I stay two yc^ars and six 
months, said cattle are to be two years old; and if 
I stay not one week, said cattle are to be one year 
old. S/^?iC(/, 

DA VI D JOSLIN. 

Lancaster, April 12, 1781. Then passed muster 
David Joslin for a Continental soldier, for the term 
of three years, and for the town of Leominster, and 
Capt. Joshua Wood's class. 

Before me Wm. Dunsmoor, Muster Master. 

Mr. Wilder further says, he staid his time out and 
received the cattle accorclin<j^ to the agreement. 

At the time, Mr. Joslin enlisted into the Conti- 
nental army, he was und(;r sixteen years of age, he 
was quite slender, and so small, that he obtained a 
full suit of under-clothes, and a pair of high heel 
shoes; and tradition says, he barely passed muster 
at that. Before his leaving home a lock of his hair 
was shorn off, and retained in the family as a me- 
mento, should he never return. That lock of hair 
was as white as the head of any urchin, and is now 
in the possession of the writer's family. 

When he obtained his discharge, he brought a 
certificate from his commanding officer, certifying 
that he had been a good soldier. That fact may 
also be inferred from the following incident. At a 
certain time an individual, was taken prisoner, wh(^ 
proved to be a l^rittish Spy. A sergeant was sent, 
with a sufficient guard to convey to "head quarters" 
of which young Joslin was one of them. When they 
stopped for the night the guard lay upon the floor, 
and the prisoner was laid between them, and Joslin 



62 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

was left as a watch, but, alas! the prisoner made his 
escape, by what means, no one could give any 
account. But after proper deliberation, it was 
decided to return. They had lost the prisoner, and 
a Court Martial was the result. The accusations, 
were, the sergeant for loosing the prisoner and 
David Joslin for getting to sleep on his post. The 
next morning the regiment was paraded to hear 
the sentence announced. The punishment, that 
was inflicted upon the sergeant, is not material at 
this time, but "David Joslin for getting to sleep on 
his post, is sentenced to receive fifty lashes upon 
his naked back," then added "but the commanding 
officer sees fit to forgive him, for his former good 
conduct." 

Mr. Joslin came to this town soon after the close 
of the war, and was an industrious and useful citizen, 
he died, April, 1825, aged 60 years. 

After the close of the Revolution, taxes were 
exceeding high, and debts had accumulated to an 
alarming extent, and much sacrifice of property was 
made to liquidate them and a general dissatisfaction 
prevailed throughout the country, especially in the 
state of Massachusetts. 

In 1784 and 5, nearly 4000 actions were entered 
in the county of Worcester, and so general was the 
dissatisfaction, that it manifested itself in open 
rebellion to the laws of the state. 

In 1786, a man by the name of Daniel Shays, 
having a large number of writs against him, assem- 
bled an armed mob, to stop the court from holding 
its session at Springfield. About the same time 
another body of the disaffected had assembled, to 



CHARACTERS OF I 786. 63 

Stop the court at Worcester. 

Under these circumstances, the Militia were noti- 
fied to assemble, and a goodly number volunteered 
to march against the insurgents; who had assembled 
to the number of one thousand men. 

At Springfield the militia was under the command 
of Gen. Shepherd, who gave notice to Gen, Shays, 
if he approached within a certain distance of the 
court house he would be fired upon. Shays, how- 
ever paid no regard to the notice, and passed the 
forbidden bound. Two shots were made, without 
any intention of harming them. At the third fire, 
three men were killed upon the spot, and others 
wounded, the whole then fled without firing a gun, 
that was the end of Shays' rebellion. 

Some of the men who were engaged in this rebel- 
ion also one, or more, who were called out under 
government, to suppress it, settled in this town. 

Jason Parmenter, who lived in what is called 
"Leominster corner," was of the number. He for 
some cause shot a man, (a neighbor) about the 
time, and was sentenced to be hung. The day 
arrived, he took leave of his family, was placed upon 
his, coffin and carried to the gallows, he mounted 
the platform, the rope was put about his neck, the 
cap drawn over his face, when a pardon was read, 
and he returned to his family; and soon came to 
this town where he lived to a good old age. 

It is said another individual, who spent a long life 
in town, was engaged in the insurrection, and came 
here in order to escape the penalty of the law. 

Those who have known him, and heard him boast 
of his Republican principles and his attachment to 



64 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

the laws of his country, would be unwilling to believe 
he was ever engaged in a rebellion against its 
authority. 

In view of the cost of the American Independence, 
and the toil and the suffering of the soldiers endured 
to obtain it, many of them would assemble on the 
return of its anniversary and while partaking a soial 
"mug of toddy" or a "bowl of punch," [would relate 
some of the adventures of the camp, and, as it were, 
"fight their battles over again;" and at public cele- 
brations, none would enjoy it, with as much enthu- 
siasm as they. I undertake to say without any 
hesitation, in no country town, has held so many 
days of public festivity, in commemoration of 
America's birthday as Stoddard. Orations, and 
public addresses, have been delivered; dinners have 
been provided; sentiments commemorative of the 
event have been given; and have been responded 
to, by a discharge of musketry, many of them, 
posterity, must forever remain ignorant. They 
were universally performed by a military parade. 

Within the recollection of many of the present 
inhabitants, a large company was paraded on the 
common, composed entirely of soldiers of the Rev- 
olution. No company has been collected on the 
occasion, whose discipline and tactics were equal to 
it. Col. Nathaniel Evens, was martial, Capt. John 
Barker, commanded, Ebenezer Blake was Lieuten- 
ant, and Oliver Boutwell, Ensign, Simeon Gould, 
Martial of the music. 

At a much later period, the writer had command 
of a company of volunteers on an Independent day, 
among them, were several of the Revolutionary 



TIMKS OI- iSl 2-1S14. 65 

soldiers. 
•The last celebration, of a military character, was 
in 1S43. In addition to the company of Grenadiers, 
in this town who appeared in a new and splendid 
uniform, accompanied with an elegant brass band, 
was a large company of artillery from Hancock; 
the Cheshire guards, and a rifle company from 
Marlow. The Oration was given by Rev. L. j. 
Fletcher, a Universalist clergyman. The oration 
and the martial appearance of the troops, was far 
superior to anything of the kind ever known in 
town. 

In June 181 2, a war was declared by the United 
States against Great Britain. The war was disap- 
proved by many of the citizens of this town, but 
some of her sons, enlisted in the war service, antl 
served on the Canada frontier, viz: Moses Emerson, 
Jedediah Butters, Roswell and Samuel W. Loveland, 
Lewis and Joseph Howard, Thomas Darling and 
Jonathan Mansfield. S. \V. Loveland was wounded 
in battle and has for many years drawn a pension 
of six dollars per month. 

Earl)- in tlie autumn of 1S14 ^ large British force 
entered Penobscot Bay and threatened an attack 
on the sea-port of New England. A large number 
of the militia of New Hampshire, either volunteered 
or were drafted to march to the defence of Ports- 
mouth. 

At that time, there were two companies in Stod- 
dard. They were separated l)y the road leading 
from Nelson to Washington, and were denominated 
the East company and the West. In the West 
company, under the command of Wni. Wilson, a 



66 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

sufficient number volunteered, viz: Wm. Howard, 
Job Brooks, Jr., Ralph Dodge, Joseph and Wilder 
Knight, David Joslin, Jr., Elisha Stevens, Calvin 
Wilson and Benjamin Jenkins. 

The East company was commanded by Capt. 
Joel Wilson. Not a sufficient number was found to 
volunteer; the deficiency was supplied by a draft. 

Those who went were: Samuel Upton, David 
Scott, Jr., Moses Robb, Gardner Towne, Joseph 
Dunn, Jonathan Mansfield, Joseph Brown, Obodiah 
Goodale and John Kimble. They all returned 
again to town. 

The vicissitudes of war, kept the public mind in 
a state of excitement, for almost three years; but 
the welcome news of peace, came in February 1815, 
which produced an out burst of joy. Party animosity 
was laid entirely aside, and the citizens a few days 
after, held a social meeting for mutual congratu- 
lation. 

In 1815 the town voted to make up the pay to the 
soldiers who went to Portsmouth, to fifteen dollars 
a month. A soldier's pay from government being 
but eight dollars. 

The downfall of the Continental Currency during 
the war of the Revolution, has been a theme of 
conversation among men of that time; and most of 
the aged people at this day, have had more, or less 
traditionary information concerning it, and the 
disaster that was caused by it; without knowing its 
history, and the cause of the suffering among the 
people, occasioned by fluctuation of the continental 
bills of credit during the Revolutionary war. 

A short history, of the transactions, would be new 



CONTINENTAL MONEY. 67 

to most of our readers, and is considered sufficiently 
interesting to require a place in this work. 

No other medium, other than Continental bills 
for the payment of public obli^^ations, bein*^ within 
the command of Congress for a long time. 

The citizens, who most cheerfully furnished ser- 
vice and supplies for carrying on the war; were 
most severely scourged by its depreciation and 
downfall. 

To destroy the credit of the Continental money, 
was one of the leading objects of the Brittish gov- 
ernment. Impressed with the belief, that Congress 
possessed no other means of waging active warfare, 
they supposed that when its credit was destroyed; 
the war must cease on the part of the Rebels. 

Hence the immense flood of counterfeit, conti- 
nental bills put into circulation, by the Brittish and 
Tories in every part of the continent where the}- 
had footing. Large as was the amount of conti- 
nental bills authorized by Congress, say about three 
hundred million of dollars; it has been generally 
estimated, by those best acquainted with the subject; 
that the enemy, i)ut into circulation false bills, to at 
least, three fold that amount. They were given, 
gratis, to the Tories, in any sum they might choose 
to carr}' away. They were scattered broadcast from 
Canada, over New England. Wherever the Britt- 
ish army held a post; and was in communication 
with those disaffected to the American cause; coun- 
t(!rf(Mt continental bills were spread from that point 
over the whole surrounding region. It was so 
difficult for men in th(^ ordinary walks of lile. to 
distinguish between true and false bills; that the 



68 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

design of the enemy in destroying their credit, 
finally was successful; but did not result in stopping 
the war as they had expected. 

The first measure of Congress, after adopting the 
Federal Constitution, was to provide for Revolu- 
tionary claims. An act was passed, 1790, for re- 
deeming all genuine Continental bills; by paying, 
one dollar for every hundred dollars. 

The town records show the extravagant prices 
that were paid in Continental mone^^ about that 
time. 

In 1779, the town voted to raise one thousand five 
hundred pounds (equal to 8333 dollars) to work on 
the highway; and to pay twelve pounds (40 dollars) 
per day for a man, and eight pounds (26.67) for a 
pair of oxen. The like extravagant prices were 
paid for everything that was purchased. One of 
our townsmen (Col. Evens) paid one hundred dol- 
lars for a quart of new Rum. Several similar 
purchases might be related. 

WILD ANIMALS. 

When the first settlers came into town, they found 
the woods inhabited with all the species of wild 
beasts that were found in New England; that had 
ranged the forests unmolested for ages. 

The Catamount was found here, but not common. 

The Moose, the largest species of the deer was 
found. Wolves, Bears and Deer were very com- 
mon. The flesh of the Moose, Bear or Deer, 
furnished the early inhabitants with their winter's 
stock of meat and many families had no other. 

Several wolves would collect together, the}^ then 



WILD ANIMALS. 6q 

were called "a pack" they would then make the 
night hideous by their howling. Hunger would 
make them ferocious, and would then, attack any- 
thing, either man or beast; that came in their way. 

Sheep, Cattle and Swine were often destroyed by 
them. Deer were harmless and inoffensive animals. 

They were considered, rather a benefit, than an 
injury to the country. Laws were enacted to pre- 
vent the killing of them at certain seasons of the 
year. For that purpose the town chose at their 
annual meeting, an officer called a Deer-reef, whose 
duty it was to see that the laws were enforced, as 
to killing them at the unlawful seasons of the year. 

To kill a Wolf or Bear was a common occurence. 

So much so, that it appears unnecessary, to relate 
all the adventures that might be collected, from 
aged people, even at this day. But as settlement 
advanced the wild animals disappeared; and the 
largest kinds have long since left the place. 

I n the early part of the present century, straggling 
Bears or Wolves, have sometimes made their 
appearance. In such cases, an alarm was given, and 
a general hunt ensued. 

Early in the spring of the year 1803, some sheep 
belonging to Simon Greenwood, were killed by 
Wolves. It was supposed by the tracks, that there 
were several of them in company. The inhabitants 
were alarmed, and a large number soon collected; 
with many from the neighboring towns. A large 
tract of the wilderness was surrounded, and on 
coming together at the top of Dr. Eddy's hill. the>- 
found they had encircled three Wolves, a Bear and 
two Foxes. Two of the wolves were killed; the 



yO HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Other and the Bear escaped. The next day, they 
surrounded another piece of woods, and killed the 
other wolf; the Bear again escaped. The third day 
they met again, and the Bear was killed. But the 
sport came nigh proving fatal, to a young man one 
of the party. Mr. Locke, carried with him a horse 
pistol for a weapon. After the hunt was over, he 
gave the pistol to his son, Enos, a lad of twelve or 
fourteen years old, without telling him it was loaded. 

On the way home another youngster (Samuel 
Howard) was a little forward of Enos when he 
pointed the pistol towards his head and said "if you 
was a Bear, how easily I could kill 3'OU," at the same 
time pulling the trigger, the pistol went off, and a 
ball passed through Howard's hat and grazing the 
skin on the top of his head. 

When John Wilson was a young man, he went 
one day to a pasture, his way led through the woods 
towards Hancock. He had not gone far, before he 
discovered a Bear and two cubs, across his path. He 
immediately returned home and with his brothers 
and a few neighbors, started in pursuit of them. 

On arriving at the woods they separated them- 
selves, in order to be more likely to discover them. 

They were provided with such weapons as hap- 
pened to come in their way. Some however had 
guns. They had not proceeded far before Joel 
Wilson saw the old Bear, and made chase after her. 

He had not gone but a short distance before the 
Bear turned, raised herself upon her hind legs, in 
order for an attack. He was provided with no 
weapon, but an axe, and remembering to have heard 
it said, that a Bear would strike it from a person's 



WILD ANIMALS. /I 

hand instantly, he looked for a tree that he could 
climb. When he started towards the tree, the Bear 
started towards him. All this time he was hallooing 
to his companions for heljj. Before he had ascended 
many feet up the tree, the Bear was at the foot of 
it. The tree being so small, she could not climb it, 
but would spring as high as she could, at the same 
time Wilson would draw his feet up as high as he 
could to keep them out of her reach. As she would 
slip down, he would climb a little higher. He was 
soon released from his perilous situation by the 
arrival of his companions. After receiving a few 
charges from the muskets she left the place and 
was soon out of sight. 

Their next object was, to capture the Cubs, they 
were found at the top of a high tree; where they 
could not be reached by musket balls, and the only 
way to get them, was to fall the tree, this was 
accordingly done and the Cubs caught, "and the 
captors bore them off in triumph. 

In 1818 it was supposed that a pack of Wolves, 
inhabited the large body of woods lying between 
Stoddard and Antrim, from depredations that were 
committed on flocks of sheep, bordering on this 
forest. Notice was given pretty extensively and 
men from Stoddard, Washington, Hillsboro, Antrim 
1 lancock and Nelson, to a large number surrounded 
the wood. After a severe ramble, they returned 
home, weary, hungry- and disappointed; and found 
no wolves. 

A few years after the above an animal, supposed 
to be a Wolf (judging from the tracks) was started 
in Lempster and followed through Marlow. collect- 



72 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

ing the inhabitants on the way and driven into a 
piece of woods near FrankHn Richardson's. Notice 
was sent to the middle of the town, and a number 
of the people went to their assistance, the wood was 
surrounded and the animal killed, which proved to 
be a Wild Cat, or Siberian Lynx, of a monstrous 
size. Others of the same species have been killed 
occasionally, one by Jonathan Jefts, one by Col, 
Wilson and others, one by Mr. Parmenter, Willard 
Corey killed one under his barn having been driven 
there by hunger, and a severe snow storm. 

The Beaver was once common here, but now are 
entirely extinct. Perhaps there is no animal in the 
country that appeared to possess so much of the 
human skill as the Beaver. They would select some 
spot on a stream of water for a residence, and raise 
a pond by building a dam across it. They would 
fall trees and cut them of a suitable length, draw 
them across the stream with their tails, and with 
mud make it tight, using their tail for a trowel, 
which is broad and flat. 

A Beaver was once seen to work on her dam, by 
one of our citizens, while two young ones were at 
play a short distance off. She left her work went 
and caught, first the one, and then the other and 
gave them a severe flogging with her tail; she then 
went back to her work, and her idle children followed 
her. 

The Otter, Fox and Raccoon still inhabit the 
place, with most kinds of small animals subject to 
New England, 

WEATHER, STORMS, ETC. 

Stoddard has long been celebrated for cold 



SNOW. 73 

weather and deep snows and many anecdotes have 
been told in reij^ard to the hitter. 

It was once said, that a traveler was passin^r 
through town, he saw a woman digging into a snow 
drift to a considerable depth, he inquired of her 
what she was after. She replied, that she was dig- 
ging to find snow that was seven years old to make 
soap, it was said to be better." 

It is evident that snows have fallen deeper in 
Stoddard, than any town in the same latitude. 

There have been cold days and snow storms, 
within the limits of these annals, that should find a 
place in a work like this; but so few are found on 
record that most of them must be passed over. 

Only a few extracts from a journal kept by the 
author, for the last 30 3'ears, will be noticed. 

February 20, 1S28, came one of the most severe 
snow-storms ever known. It commenced snowing 
in the night and continued through the following 
day. Snow fell to the de])th of two feet, and very 
much drifted. It extended through New England, 
it was more tedious in Massachusetts than any other 
place. It snowed again the 25th, 15 inches of snow 
fell at this time, another succeeded in a few days, 
till it was almost impossible to break through it. 
4 feet of snow was upon the ground b)' these 
storms. 1S34, snow fell early in the month ot 
December to the depth of 18 inches, other snows 
came soon after, till the ground was covered 4 feet 
deep, which rendered business abroad, out of the 
question. Many people had to draw their fire-wood 
on a hand sled as but few had their stock of wood 
at the door. There were no thaws, nor much 



74 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

additional snow after the first of January. The 
snow went off early and suddenly. The first of 
April the snow was gone, and the ground dry. 

From the loth to the middle of the month, the 
weather was like summer. Cattle retreated to the 
shade, and people were riding under their umbrellas 
to screen them from the scorching rays of the sun. 

Notwithstanding, the spring was backward, the 
month of Ma}^ was cold and stormy, the i8th was 
a driving snow storm. Sheep that were out to 
pasture, were completely covered up, as they were 
sheltered by the fences. 

1839, the winter was a singular one. The weather 
much of it was extremely cold, but not snow enough 
to make good sleighing at any time during the 
winter. 

1841, Nothing remarkable in the winter, but the 
spring deserves notice. From the gth of April to 
the 20th of May was a continuation of cold weather 
and snow storms and blows. Sledding and sleigh- 
ing, during the whole time, cross roads are full of 
snow that bears teams. 21st of May, trees look 
like January; not a bud had started. From this time 
to the end of the month, was fine weather. 

1843, Nothing worthy of notice till March. The 
month came in mild, but a tremendous snow storm 
the 13th, the 14th was town-meeting. But few 
horses, could be got through the snow to the middle 
of the town. From this time to the end of the 
month the snow storms and blows continued. 
First and second days were cold and stormy, 7th 
snow more than 4 feet deep and sleighing good, 
stone walls, in many places, are "under cover" 



WINTKUS. 75 

i^rows warin, snow is mostly carried oil by the heat 
of the sun. 

1844, Snow fell to the depth of three feet, the 
storms were light and snow but little drifted. 

April was a warm and mild month; the snow 
went off early in the month, vegetation immediately 
started, most of the plowing and sowing was done 
in this month. Moosebush and Sugarplumb in blos- 
som the 3rd of May. 

1846, A fine winter, scarcely two feet of snow, and 
most e.xcellent sleighing, Spring forward, April a 
warm month ground dry and warm. Sugarplumb 
and Moosbush in blossom May 1st. 

1849, A north-east snow storm, was not known 
this winter, snow gone, and travelling good the 8th 
of April, l)ut became cold and a backward spring. 

1850, Snow came early and deep but little fell alter 
the first of January. April, a cold stormy month, 
fifteenth, roads were impassible. Sleighs were used 
constantly from 3rd of December to 20th of April, 
Stage on runners the iQ. 139 days of sleighing. 

May a wet and cold month, rain almost every day 
from the loth to end of the month. Pieces of 
ground designed for planting corn, was not plough- 
ed till June. Some farmers did not i)]ough a furrow 
till Election. 

1 85 1, b'our or five inches of snow fell the loth t)l 
November. .Sleighs and sleds were used, some 
additional snows between this and the 25th which 
makes sleighing good. It continued (but being 
injured by thaws) till the 13th of April when about 
two feet of snow fell. .Sleighs were ust-d from loth 
of November till 19th of April which make 161 da\s 



76 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

of sleighing. 

Cattle and sheep were confined at the barn and 
had to depend for their whole living there, for full 
six months, the longest winter ever known. 

In addition to the foregoing, there happened on 
the 8th of October 1804, a snow storm of remarkable 
severity. It covered the ground to the depth of 
nearly a foot. A large part of the potatoes, apples 
and corn, were buried under the snow. In cold 
places that were secluded from the sun, the drifts 
lay till the next spring. 

January iq, 1810, is memorable for a severe cold 
day rendered almost intolerable by a driving wind. 
It is still remembered by aged people as the "Cold 
Friday," several people perished with the severity 
of the cold. 

In the summer of 1826, was a great drouth and a 
surprising multitude of Grasshoppers. It has long 
been referred to as the Grasshopper year. The 
crop of hay and grain was reduced nearly one-half, 
by these destructive insects, and the dry weather. 

The autumn yielded an abundance of grass; the 
cold weather was late -in coming and the ensuing 
spring was quite early; which rendered the short 
crop of fodder, a comfortable supply. 

Cattle, and some Colts, were driven from this 
town to Vermont to be wintered; which proved to 
be an unprofitable undertaking for the owners; for 
some of them were to poor to come back in the 
spring. 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 

In 1776 at a town-meeting, the question arose, 
whether it was the opinion of the town that Isaac 



MISCELl.ANKOrS irF.MS. 77 

Kinney had perjured himself by being sworn into 
the office of Selectman and afterwards refused to 
serve. The town voted in the affirmative. 

1777, was the first tax that was assessed upon the 
inhabitants, and they voted not to pay it. 

Whether it was paid or not, is not known. The 
first tax, found on record was in 1784, the first col- 
lector was chosen in 1781. 

1778, a town-meeting was held to choose a dele- 
gate to attend a convention that was to hv. held at 
Peterboro and "to see how long the town would 
authorize him to stay." Chose Capt. Towne to 
attend the convention at Peterboro and left it with 
the selectmen how long he should stay. A caution 
to modern legislators. 

178Q, a town-meeting to attend the drawing of 
one good and lawful man out of the jury box, to 
serve at the Court of Common Pleas. Drawed 
Caleb Hunt out of the box, &c. 

Grand jury-men, were chosen by the town and 
were to serve one year. Justices of the peace were 
chosen by the town till 1792. 

P^or many years this town, was classed with 
Camden (now Washington ) Packersfield (Nelson) 
and Gilsum, for the choice of a Representative to 
the Legislative Assembly. Afterwards Stoddard 
and Washington sent Jacob Copeland who was often 
chosen to the office. In 1794 Stoddard sent a rep- 
resentative independent of Washington, and Nath'l 
PZmerson was honored with the appointment. 

Early in the history of the town, little was know n 
of the political parties, which have characterized 
the people at later periods. 



78 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

In 1786, John Langdon had 32 votes for governor 
(President as he was called) all there were cast. 

1 795' John Taylor Gilman received all the votes, 47- 

1796, Electors of President had 25 votes each. 

The first we find two candidates for the same 
office was in 1803. John Langdon (Republican) 
had 21 votes for governor when John T. Gilman 
(Federalist) had 77. 

1802, at the annual meeting, a town clerk and a 
board of selectmen were chosen, at an adjourned 
meeting "Voted to reconsider the vote of the former 
meeting, so far as town officers were concerned and 
a town clerk and an entirely different board of 
selectmen were chosen. Whether such proceedings 
had the stamp of legality, is not our present business 
to inquire. 

1 81 7, early in the spring of the year. Pigeons were 
seen flying in vast multitudes about in town. They 
collected in the low-land lying in the south-east part 
of the town, there they built their nests and remained 
during the season of incubation. They would be 
seen flying (mostly in the morning) towards the 
west, in flocks, that would extend for miles, and 
return in the latter part of the day. W hen their 
young were sufficiently grown, they all moved to 
"the far west" or "to parts unknown." This is the 
only time that they have been known "to hatch and 
rear their young" in this part of the country. Stod- 
dard and Croyden in Sullivan county the only places 
they were known to have assembled at that time. 



l-CCLHSIASTICAL HISTORY. 

f^HE early settlers of this town, were like most of 
^ the first inhabitants of New England; they 
respected and reverenced the ordinances of Religion, 
and spared no effort to maintain it. Their first acts, 
were to take measures to provide for the preaching 
of the Gospel. At almost, if not every town-meeting 
among the business, was an article to raise money 
to hire preaching and they were generally met by 
raising a generous sum, in fact, it appeared they 
thought on a faithful maintenance of a preached 
gospel, depentied all their prosperity. 

At their first annual town-meeting thirty pounds 
were raised to hire preaching; while at tlu^ same 
time, an article to raise money for schooling was 
dismissed. 

In 1779, the town voted to raise a sum of money 
to hire preaching. At a subsequent meeting, a vote 
was passed, "to reconsider that vote; and the com- 
mittee was instructed not to hire any more preaching 
than could be helped with decency", owing probably, 
to the scarcity of money and the calamities of the 
war, the}' were engaged in. 

The first minister we hear of, was a Mr. 1 lutchin- 
son who preached in town in i 77S. Some time after 
Mr. Houston preached here. We hear nothing who 
the ministers were again till 1787, when Mr. I^noch 
Fond officiated in tow^n and thepeoplegavehim a call 
to settle with them in the ministr\-. The conditions 
of his settlement were, to gi\e him seventy-fi\e 
pounds salary annually, and a hundred pounds as a 



8o HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

settlement. The two above sums were to be paid 
in the following articles, viz.: "Rye at four shillings 
a bushel, corn at three shillings; fresh pork at four 
pence per pound, grass fed beef at twenty shillings 
a hundred, butter at eight pence per pound, flax at 
eight pence, and other produce of the farm, in like 
proportions. Mr. Pond did not see fit to accept the 
proposal, and was not settled. 

In this year (1787) the Congregational church was 
organized, and consisted of seven members, viz.: 
Ephraim Adams and his wife, Timothy Thompson 
and his wife, Dr. Ward Eddy and wife, and Mr. 
Eleazar Blake. Mr. Adams and Dr. Eddy were 
chosen deacons. Deacon Adams held the office till 
his death in 1823. Dr. Eddy resigned his charge, 
and moved to Vermont, but came back and died at 
an advanced age. 

1791, "voted to settle the Rev, Solomon Adams 
as our minister." A committee was chosen to confer 
with Mr. Adams, they agreed upon terms of settle- 
ment, and made report to the town, the report was 
accepted; that is the last we hear of it, but he was 
not settled. 

In 1793, Rev. Abisha Colton was ordained. The 
town voted to give him the interest of one hundred 
and fifty pounds for the first year, by his giving the 
town a title to the ministerial land, and the town to 
sell the land and purchase a parsonage, to the value 
of one hundred and fifty pounds, to be occupied by 
Mr. Colton, or any other minister the town ma)' 
settle. Also voted to give Mr. Colton seventy-five 
pounds for the first year, as a salary, and to increase 
it annually, by twenty shillings, till it amounts to 



CHURCH ITK.MS. 8l 

eighty pounds; then to stop and increase no more. 
In reply to the foregoing proceedings, Mr. Colton 
gax'c the lollowing answer. 

To the Congrcgatiotial Church ami f^coplc oj (iod 
ill Sfoddard of iWrc Ha)uf^shirc. 
Gentlemen :— 

I have taken into consideration, the invitation, 
which you give me to settle with you, in the gospel 
ministr}- and have sought to Heaven for direction 
in this weighty affair; have consulted some of the 
ministers in the neighboring churches, together, 
with some of my friends and acquaintances, and 
have w^eighed the unhappiness of 3^our continuing, 
to live as you have done; like sheep scattered over 
the mountains, without a shepherd. And not with- 
standing, the many discouragements, that present 
themselves, that tends to prevent my compliance 
with your request. Having deliberated them matu- 
rely in my own mind, my answer is in the affirmative. 

Further, as 3'ou have voted me a parsonage to the 
amount of one hundred and fifty pounds, to be 
im|)roved by me. during my ministry among you. 

1 propose to accept the annual interest of the 
parsonage, money in lieu of the parsonage. And 
although 1 give my answer to tarry with you, ujoon 
this plan, that if settled among you, I will resign m\' 
ministerial charge of )'ou whcncxcr th(^ society shall 
request it, or whenever 1 shall choose to resign it. 

\'et shall expect this privilege, that as I am settled 
in a regular wa\'; so ma\" 1 be dismissed in a regular 
way, viz.: by a mutual council. I do als(^ request, 
this favor of the town, that as I li\e at a consider- 



82 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

able distance from my friends and relatives; that 
they would allow me a sabbath or two annually, to 
visit them, without supplying the desk. 

Mr. Colton was dismissed, at his own request, in 
July, 1793 and died in Vermont, 1823. 

On the town book, in a warrant for a meeting, 
we find the following record, in regard to the dis- 
missal of Mr. Colton. "To see if ye town will concur 
in ye vote of ye church in granting ye request of ye 
Rev. Abisha Colton in regard to his asking a dis- 
mission from ye pastoral care of ye Congregational 
church and congregation in Stoddard as a Watch- 
man". 

Monday, loth day of August IJQS- 

The action of the town, on the foregoing article, 
was as follows: 

Ye town voted to dismiss ye Rev. Abisha Colton 
agreeable to his request; ye town voted to send for 
ye council to come on Wednesday ye ninth day of 
September next, to dismiss ye Rev. Abisha Colton 
in ye town voted to dismiss ye meeting. 

We hear nothing who the ministers were, after 
Abisha Colton was dismissed, till 1798 when Rev. 
Elijah Dunbar, preached in town. Rev. Stephen 
Williams was in town a short time in 1800; and in 
December of the same year Rev. Robinson Smiley 
came here as a candidate for the ministry. Each 
of the above named clergymen, had a call from the 
people, to settle among them in the gosfDel ministry; 
and each gave a negative answer. 

In 1802, Rev. Isaac Robinson from Hudson, N. H. 
came into town and was engaged to preach one year. 



c'liiKt II iii:ms. 83 

At a l()\vii-iiu'ctin<j,- lu-kl Au*j:ust 30, 1802, X'otcd 
to n^ive Rev, Isaac Robinson a call to settle in the 
gospel ministry in this town. Also voted to give 
Mr. Robinson five hundred dollars as a settlenient, 
to be paid, one-third annually; and two hundred 
and sixty-six dollars and sixty seven C('nts (80 
pounds) as a salary to be paid annually, so long as 
he remains our minister. 

Upon the foregoing proceedings of the town. 
Mr. Robinson made the following reply. 

Jh-clhrcii of {he CliurcJi and (iciiilcmcu of I he 
Congregation: 

Vou will permit me to express my gratitude to 
you, for the respect which you have shown me b}- 
inviting me to be your pastor; and for the attention 
with which you have bestowed upon my instructions 
since I have labored among you; and if any of you 
have received any spiritual good from my ministry 
I entreat you to ascribe all the glory to God, to 
whom alone it belongs. Divisions, you are full)- 
sensible ha\e prevailed among you, heretofore, and 
have been productive of very unhappy consequences. 

I hope you will endeaver to keep the unity of the 
spirit in the bond of peace and to walk in love to 
God and one and another. 

1 feel myself utterl\- unwortlnto take charge ol a 
people, and very inadequate to the important task; 
and should I be ordained as your pastor; I must 
request the exercise of your candor and charit\ . 

That I shall commit errors is very presumable, and 
should any of you discover anything, either in m\- 
preaching or conduct which you may consider as 



84 HISTORY OF STOPDAKD. 

such; I shall esteem it an expression of kindness in 
you, to tell me of it with fidelity and tenderness. -I 
trust if I am not deceived, that my greatest desires 
are, to be instrumental in promoting your eternal 
welfare; and I think I can say with the apostle. "I 
seek not yours but you"; nor is it possible for you 
to afford me greater happiness; than to seek first 
the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and to 
practice those amiable virtues enjoined in the gospel. 
And now Brethren of the Church I beseech you 
for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of 
the spirit; that ye strive together with me in your 
prayers to God for me, and for the prosperity of 
His kingdom in this place, that there may be a 
copious effusion of the divine spirit upon sinners in 
this place, that multitudes may be converted from 
the error of their ways, to the wisdom of the just, 
that we ma}^ all be able to discharge with fidelity, 
the duties incumbent on us, and to lay hold on eter- 
nal life that we may be each others rejoicing in the 
day of the Lord Jesus, and that this may be the 
happy case of each one of us, is the fervent prayer 
of your affectionate friend in the bonds of thegospel. 

ISAAC ROBINSON. 

Stoddard, Ahrj. /?, 1S02. 

Those who have attended to the ministration of 
Dr. Robinson, will recognize the similarity of this 
address to the people of his charge, and his preach- 
ing for the long period of his labors in this town. 

Mr. Robinson was ordained January 5th 1803, at 
the age of 22 years, and he still remains pastor of 
the Congregational church and society in Stoddard. 



ORDINATION. 85 

. The Ecclesiastical council consisted of: 
Rc\'. Aaron Hall, of Kcene and delegates. 
Rev. Elisha Fish, of Gilsum and delegates 
Rev. Reed Page, of Hancock and delegates. 
Rev. Gad Newell, of Nelson and delegates. 
R('\. John 1 1. Church, of Pelhani and delegates. 
Rev. William Mu/zy, of Sullivan and delegates. 
Rev. Walter Fullerton, of Antrini and delegates. 
Rev. Levi Laneton, of Alstead and delegates. 

ORDKR OF ORDINATION. 

Introductor)- prayer, by Rev. John 11. Church 

Sermon, by Rev. Reed Page 

Consecrating prayer. by Rev. Levi Laneton 

Charge. by Rev. Aaron Hall 

Right hand of fellowship, by Rev. William Muzz>' 
Concluding prayer, by Rev. Walter Pullerton 

One person, only of the council or delegates who 
assisted at Dr. Robinson's ordination, are now living. 

Rev. Abner Newtdl, of Nelson still survives, and 
is over ninet\' years of age. It is sev(;ral years since 
he was discharged from pastoral duties, but he 
attends religious meetings constantly, and is a 
remarkable spry old man. 

It is fifty years since Mr. Robinson has ministered 
to the spiritual wants of the people in Stoddard. It 
has been very seldom, that he has been prevented 
from attending to pastoral duties on account of ill 
health, no storms, nor inclemency of weather, has 
kept him from the sanctuary on a sabbath dav; 
although for forty years, he resided a mile and a 
half from the middle of the town; for the last ten 
years, he has not failed in supjjlying the desk, a 



86 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

single sabbath day. 

On the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination (Jan. 
5, 1853) the members of his congregation, to the 
number of about one hundred, waited upon him at 
his residence, to congratulate him on so uncomnion 
an event; and services suited to the occasion were 
held. As they were about to leave, Gilmon Script- 
ure, Esq.inbehalf of the friends assembled, presented 
him with fifty dollars and an elegant bible with the 
following inscription: 

PRESENTED 

TO THE 

REV. DR. ROBINSON, 

By the members of his Church and Congregation, 
on the Fiftieth Anniversary of his Ordination, 

January 5th, 1853. 
In the summer of 1842, without the knowledge of 
any one, and to the surprise of all, Mr. Robinson, 
at the close of his services on one sabbath, asked a 
dismission from his society in town, and that a 
council be immediately called. Accordingly a coun- 
cil consisting of Rev. Messrs. Whiton, of Antrim, 
Gerould, of Alstead, Atwood, of Sullivan, was held 
at the dwelling house of Deacon Joslin. 

All the argument offered by Mr. R. in favor of a 
dismissal was, "that he was doing no good." The 
council not finding sufficient reason for dismissing 
him, also the members of his church and society 
appeared and contended earnestly that he should 
remain with them. He was dismissed however on 
conditions. He should stay and preach as usual 
until February following, and then if terms were 



CIUKCII SOCIKTV. S; 

|)ro])osccl that should be satisfactory to pastor and 
people he should remain; if not he was considered 
discharged from further service. A meeting was 
soon called and a committee was chosen, who were 
to consult with Mr. Robinson and obtain from him 
terms, that would be satisfactory, and report at an 
adjourned meeting. The committee reported at 
the adjourned meeting; that Mr. Robinson had con- 
sented to remain with his people, if they requested, 
on condition that they pay him his original salary 
($266.67) 'H'^d form a society, for the assurance of 
the payment of it. 

A society was soon organized consisting of 44 
members, llis salary was raised by \-<)luntar\' 
subscription as usual till 1846, when it was voted to 
raise it by a tax on the members. This was found 
to give dissatisfaction to some of those whose taxes 
were high. Mr. Robinson, requested that the tax 
should be reduced one-fourth part, which would 
reduce it to two hundred dollars which is the sum 
raised annually since. 

At the annual meeting of the society, in Xovember 
1853, the following resolutions were introduced by 
a member. 

"J^eso/zr(/, That while we fully appreciates the 
untiring zeal and faithful labors of Re\-. Isaac 
Robinson, over this church and society, for half a 
century, we are nevertheless admonished by his 
advanced age, physical debility and mental decaw 
that he is unable much longer to perform the amount 
of ministerial lal)or required among a peoi)le so 
remotely scattered." 

"Rcsoiz'cd, That the execulixe committee, of this 



88 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

society, be authorized to consult with Dr. Robinson 
in reference to the above resokition, and to express 
to him the determination of the society, to continue 
him as their pastor, so long as it shall be his pleasure 
to remain such; and that should he be of opinion 
that he was unable to the task; we will take such 
measures, as his judgement shall dictate in reference 
to a future supply. 

The resolutions were adopted and a copy trans- 
mitted to Dr. Robinson, by a committee appointed 
for that purpose; but they were not received by him 
in a friendly manner, which was unexpected by the 
committee and the members of the society. He 
considered, they conveyed to him a hint that his 
services w^ere not wanted, and that he should resign 
his ministerial charge; accordingly, on the second 
sabbath in January, at the close of his exercises, he 
asked a dismission from his society, to take effect 
the first of May, and a council be called at that time. 

The society held a meeting on the first of April 
and voted to concur in the request of Dr. Robinson; 
if it should be his wish to call a council, and chose 
a committee for that purpose. The committee held 
an interview with him; and the result was, that he 
should remain and preach as usual for one year. 
(See Appendix.) 

A society of Universalists has long existed in town. 

A large number of influential and wealthy citizens 
have been of that order. They have had no settled 
minister, a great length of time. Ebenezer Paine 
was settled over the society, at Stoddard and Wash- 
ington, in the early part of the present century. 

Wm. S. Cilley, a native of Gilmanton, a useful 



SorTH-WFST SCIinoi, DISTRICT. Sc) 

man and a LTOotl citi/.cn, was settled over the s()ci(;ty 
in iS^c) and was dismissed in 1843. 

Their ministers have usually been engaged for a 
season. Those who have officiated in town are Rev. 
Messrs. Willis, Balch, Barber, Skinner, Cooper, 
Smith, Britton, S|)auldintj:, W'riglit and others. 

llic South-west School District, Stoddard 

AS IT WAS, AM) AS IT IS. 

As the years are continually rolling away, achange 
in most of the circumstances of lif(; are continually 
taking place among the inhabitants. Perhai)s there 
is no place in this, or any other town, that has under- 
gone so great a change as the school district known 
in former times by the South-West District. This 
district, at the time the writer was one among a 
large number of scholars, contained twenty-seven 
families. To give a short history of the place and 
the change that has taken place in the neighborhood 
is the object of the writer at this time and shall take 
names and places at his earliest recollection. 

As it was said this was called the South-\\ est 
district, consequently it was located in the south- 
west part of the town. 

The first farm, we come at in that part of the 
town, is Ebenezer Tarbox's. 1 lis farm is still occu- 
pied by his son Mark Tarbox. 1 lis buildings and 
fences were all burned down during a severe drouth 
several years ago, but they were rebuilt; the farm 
has been set off from Stoddard and annexed to 
N(dson. 



go HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Adjoining the above is Elias Mclntire, he died 
some years since, the farm is owned by Martin, his 
son, and is occupied by Augustus Howard, the old 
buildings are taken away, the present buildings 
some distance from the place. 

The farm of Reuben Davis was sold to Sewel 
Page many years since, who still occupies it. Davis 
moved to Charlestown. Page came from Fitchburg. 

Jonathan Petts lived a little north, he died many 
years since; the buildings remain, but the farm is 
mostly pastured. Mr. Petts raised a large famil}^ 
but none of them remain in town. 

A house and barn was built a little west of the 
last mentioned by Benjamin Felt, was subsequently 
sold to Solomon Easty and is now owned by Sterns 
Tarbox, but is not occupied. 

A little further north lived Jacob Blodgett and 
his son Nathaniel. The farm was sold and Mr. 
Blodgett lived in several places but died in Marlow. 

Nathaniel became involved in debt and "ran away" 
but came back and died in the north part of the 
town from a wound received while dressing a calf. 

He had a large family but they all di'ed of con- 
sumption, there is not a descendent from either 
family in town. 

John Brooks lived further east, he died while in 
the prime of life, his family returned to Princetown. 
his former residence; his buildings were taken away, 
the farm is a pasture and owned by J. H. Melville 
and M. Mclntire. 

Near by lived Samuel Gerould, he died the 3^ear 
1824; the farm is owned by his son, Samuel and is 
pastured, some of the buildings remain. Samuel 



SOUTII-WKST SCHOOL DIS'IRKT. QI 

lives at the mickllc of the town. 

On the extreme north lived Joseph Dodge, he 
was one of the first settlers in the town; on the same 
lot lived Reiiel Dodge, his son. Reuel still lives 
with his son Loyal, at the middle of the town; the 
farms are still (occupied, the former by Dodge's 
descendants; the latter by I larrison Dunn; liis father 
lives with him. 

Ephraim Dakin lived up the hill farth(;r south. 

Mr. Dakin came from Concord, Mass. raised a 
large family, he moved to Roxbury and none of his 
family are in town. His farm is owned by j. Smith 
and is pastured. 

The old Dick Emerson place (as it was called) 
subsequently owned and occupied by Jonathan 
Emerson, is pastured, the buildings are gone and is 
owned by J. H. Melville; Emerson lives at the middle 
of the town. 

Moses luiierson's place is also pastured. A rem- 
nant of the buildings remain, the farm also is owned 
by J. H. Melville. Emerson went to Richmond. 

The John B. Flint place is mostly owned by 
George Wliite of Sullivan, and pastured. Mr. b lint 
died, 1816, the farm was owned and occupied for 
many yc'ars by his son John; he sold and went to 
I lancock. 

Joel Flint died in 1S22 or 3. Mr. Mint had a large 
family but no descendant of his, or J. B. I^Mint, are 
in town; his death was caused by a prick of a nail, 
he was handling some boards and received a wound 
on his thumb which caused his d(?ath, in three or 
four days. His farm was sold, Job Brooks, Jr. 
became the purchaser, the buildings were carried 



Q2 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

away, the farm is pastured. 

Job Brooks, Senior, lived on the next farm. He 
also raised a large family. He went to live with 
Daniel, his son, and died at Charlestown. No 
descendant nor a relative remains in town. Gardner 
his son, was settled at home, he became involved in 
debt, he went away privately and died in Illinois in 
1850; the farm was sold to satisfy creditors, it was 
purchased by Job Brooks, Jr. Both sets of buildings 
taken down and is used (most of it) for a pasture. 

The farm owned by James Wilson was also pur- 
chased by J. Brooks. Wilson came from Peterboro 
when quite a young man, lived here with his mother 
several years, he afterwards married and raised a 
family, moved to Keene where he died several years 
ago. The above named farm with the two last 
mentioned and a part of the John Flint place, are 
owned by the town, used to keep the poor belonging 
to the town. 

Isaac Fisher died, 181 6, he came from Wrentham, 
raised a family of six children, all have died. One 
however, by a second marriage, lives in Alstead. 

His farm was owned and occupied by Hermon 
Fisher his son, for several years, he left and went 
to Nelson Factory and died some years after. The 
farm was sold and Nathan Nye became the purchaser 
and still lives on it. 

The old residence of Joseph Wilson, situated near 
the above, was. purchased by Hermon Fisher and 
the buildings taken down. Wilson built on the 
north side of the pond where Rodney now lives. 

At the foot of the hill, farther south, stood an old 
grist-mill owned by Israel Abbott, afterwards occu- 



FARMS. 93 

pied by Abncr Bennett; they both went to Charles- 
town and Reuben Barrett was the last occupant, he 
went to the state of Maine. 

In an easterly direction lived Reuben Barrett, 
Senior, he lived to a o^ood old age, his farm came 
into the hands of Job. his son. It was conveyed to 
Noah Blodgett and at this time is owned and occu- 
pied by Isaac Dunn. 

A little farther east, Benjamin Felt built and lived 
a few years, he left and went to Nelson Factory, 
the farm was purchased b}' Artemas Parker, he came 
from Chelmsford, he lived on it a few years and 
went back to Chelmsford; the farm is pastured, the 
buildings moved off. 

The homestead of Simeon Gould was the next in 
course, he came from New Ipswich and settled while 
the farm was a wilderness. Perhaps no man in 
town has been more engaged in town business than 
he. P'or 14 years he held the office of town-clerk 
and selectman, he died, 18 16. the farm has been 
occupied since by the writer of this sheet. The 
house was burnt in iS^g and the location has been 
changed. 

Enos Goodale lived near, he was a native of 
Shrewsbury, Mass, came here while in early man- 
hood, had quite a large family, he gave his property 
to his son Joel for a maintenance. They did not 
agree, Joel left, went West, the old man gave the 
use of the farm to any one that would board him. 
when this failed the town took care of him. he died 
at the age of qi, the farm after changing owners 
several times, was bought by Jo(d Shedd who still 
lives on it. 



94 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

The last on this list is Samuel Morrison, he came 
from Peterboro and went back there where he died. 

The farm is owned by William Robb, the buildings 
are taken away, and it is pastured. 

There is still one place that has not been noticed, 
one building that has not been registered in the 
catalogue of events. The history of the old school 
house remains yet to be told. 

It has stood neglected and unoccupied for years, 
the wreck of former days, exposed to the ravages 
of time, and the pelting blasts of the north-east 
storms. The windows broken in, the clapboards 
are falling off, the doors off their hinges, the chimney 
fallen down and the seats and benches torn to pieces. 
Instead of school boys and girls assembling there 
to receive instruction in the useful branches, it has 
been occupied by cattle and sheep as a shade from 
the scorching rays of the sun or a shelter from the 
chilling blasts of cold storms. But the old school 
house too is gone. In the last summer, 1852, it was 
taken down, and nothing remains but a pile of rub- 
bish to mark the spot where it stood. 

This was the third school house built in this 
district. The two preceding it, were burnt. 1 he 
first during a severe storm, February, 1802, the other 
about the year 1810, (this house built 1816.) 

As we said at the commencement of these pages, 
the district contained 27 families but at the present 
time they are reduced to 10, of course 17 farms or 
places that were occupied by families, are now 
entirely destitute of any inhabitants. As the inhab- 
itants moved away, conveniencies for schooling 
became more inconvenient and one after another, 



DISTKU'TS. Q5 

were added to the district where the)' could be better 
accommodated. In the north part (the Dodges) 
were added to the middle of the town district. All 
at the west of the Brooks' hill were set off by them- 
selves, but have been to Nelson for the benefit of 
schooling. George R. Wilson has since been added 
to that district. The farms of Mr. Gould and 
Goodale have been added to the district, east, and 
at this time there remains but three families of that 
once large and flourishing school district. 

The question naturall}' arises, what has been the 
cause of so great a decrease of the population in 
this part of the town? It is a question more easily 
asked, than answered. 

When a place becomes desolate, when the build- 
ings go to decay, the fences and farms get out of 
repair, and the appearance of waste and ruin on 
every side, the cause is often, very often found in 
the use of intoxicating drink, but in this case I am 
not prepared to give that as the principal cause. 

It was here as in other places at that time, all used 
spirits and some to excess frequently. Yet I know 
of but two families who were made unliappy or 
much disturbed, and whose property was much 
diminished by intemperance. 

I. GOULD 
Stoddard, February 12, /S^J. 



STODDARD TAX-PAYERS IN 1800, 

WITH THEIR RESIDENCE AND THEIR SUCCESSORS. 

— O — 

Ephraim Adams, began a farm and occupied it 
during his life in the westerly part of the town. His 
son Ephraim settled with him, but died in early life, 
(lived on the farm but left and went to Sullivan, the 
buildings are taken down.) Another son, Stephen 
occupied the farm till his death, and Jonas also 
owned with him. 

John Adams, lived where H. Jerome Messenger 
lives. He gave his property to Hermon Messenger 
for a maintenance. Messenger died. His widow 
and her son own the place. 

Israel Aiuk)TT, lived at the foot of what is called 
Tolman hill, on the old road leading to Nelson. 

He went to Charlestown. The place was after- 
wards occupied by Abner Bennet, and subsequently 
by Reuben Barrett, Jr. the buildings have been gone 
many years. A grist-mill was in operation at the 
time. 

David Atlen, lived where Josiah M. Rice now 
lives. He left town and Aaron F'airbanks, afterward 
Aaron, Jr., owned and occupied it. The farm got 
into the hand of Amisa, Aaron's son, who sold it to 
Peter Rice, Josiah's father, he died and left it to his 
widow and family. 

John Brooks, lived on the place owned by Josiah 
H. Melville. It was began by Allen Spear. After 



tax-i'.\vi:rs in iSoo. q7 

Mr. I^rooks cli(>cl, the i)lac(.' was occui)iccl by several 
persons tor a lew y('ars. but it is many years since 
the buildings have been taken down. 

ISA.\c Barrett, lived on the place now owned b)- 
Nathaniel Friend. He was killed by his horse run- 
ning wMth him. while one foot was held in the stirrup. 

The farm was afterwards owned by Samuel Ten- 
ney. Jesse Pike and Wilder Knight. 

Oi.iVKR Boi'TWKi.L, owned a farm joining Col. 
Evens, a part of it he sold to Nathan Gould who 
built on it and lived several years, he took the 
buildings down and moved them to the middle of 
the town. The Boutwell j^lace was presently owned 
by William Dutton. 

Job Brooks, owned a farm in the south part of 
the town, lived on it till age rendered him incapable 
of labor, w^hen he w^ent to live w^ith his son Daniel, 
and died at Charlestown. He settled his son Gard- 
ner, at home, but he became involved in debt, left 
town and died at Illinois near Chicago. The farm 
was sold in pieces and is now owned by the town as 
a home for paupers. 

Rfaiben Barrett, began on a farm the first lot 
in the 8th range. After becoming aged, he sold to 
Reuben Scripture but took it back and lived alone 
several years, but gave it to his son Job, for a 
maintenance. Job conveyed it to Noah Blodgett. 

After shifting ow^ners a few times it was purchased 
by Govenor McClure, who lives on it. 

Jacob Blodgett, lived at a place owned by 
Martin Mclntire. He left it many years ago and 
no one has hved there since. It is a pasture. 

John Brown, had no permanent residence, he 



gS HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

lived in several different places. 

James Ball, lived where William Robb lives. 
He sold to Robb, where he has ever lived. 

Edward Bates, lived off from the road south- 
west from the Joshua Reed place. It is not known 
whether any other person ever lived there. 

Nathaniel Blodgett, formerlylivedon the same 
lot with his father, afterwards lived and died on a 
place now owned by Elias D. Eliott, near Franklin 
Richardson's. 

Daniel Cram, lived on the road leading to Mar- 
low. His son Andrew, lived there many years after 
him and subsequently Andrew, Jr. After the build- 
ing of the Forest road, the buildings were moved 
to near that road and owned by Hervey Thompson 
and now owned by Harrison Dunn, who lives on it. 

John Barker, lived in what was called "Leomin- 
ster corner" on a farm owned by Frederick Picher, 
it was formerly owned by Samuel Farnsworth. 
Guile Barker owned, after his father's decease and 
sold to Picher. 

Noah Barden, lived at a place now owned by 
Isaac Duncan and is rented to some one. Noah, Jr. 
lived on it several years after his father's decease. 

Aquilla and Ebenezer Barden, lived at the east 
part of the town, the place not known. 

Philip Barden, lived where his son Lewis now 
owns. 

Abisha Colton, was the first settled minister in 
town who lived on the minister lot, the buildings 
were west from the residence of the late Rev. Dr. 
Robinson. 

Asa Chandler, once lived on the farm long owned 



T.W-l'AVKKS IX 1800. QQ 

b}- Rev. 1. Robinson but cxchan<^cd farms with 
Daniel Foster and went to the southerly part of the 
town, near where Cummings Moor's mills are. 

Wii.LARD Corky, lived on the same farm that he 
still lives on. For many years the buildings were 
away from any road, but new ones were erected 
after the Forest road was opened. Willard. jr., 
manages the farm. 

William Chambers, lived, while in town, on the 
farm where Elias Whitney now resides. It was 
purchased by Timothy Hunt, after Mr. Hunt left 
town, Sampson Jenkins occupied it a short time, 
subsequently Mr. Whitney became the owner. 

Wtlliam Corey, lived more than a mile about 
north from the middle of the town, no one lives 
there and no road passes the place. 

Jacob Copeland, li\ed where his son Asa, now 
lives. 

John D. Coi'ELand, lived where Timothy Hunt 
lives. 

Isaac Copeland, lived where Silas Messenger 
lives, he purchased the farm long owned by William 
Picher, where he still lives. 

Abraham Copeland, lived many years with John 
Spaulding. Cleon G. Towne became the owner and 
lived on it and is still in the hands of his descendants. 
N Isaac Carter', was at the east part of the town. 



APPENDIX. 

Rev. Isaac Robinson, D. D., died, July q, 1854, aged 
74 years, and in the fifty-second year of his ministry. 
At that time Mrs. Robinson was laboring under 
a species of mental derangement, and his two 
daughters were at the insane hospital in Concord. 

Mrs. Robinson went to board with a family in the 
neighborhood but died on the first day of September 
after. The youngest daughter Emily, returned 
from Concord soon, and went to live with a sister 
in New-York, thus in less than two months the heads 
of this long respected family died, their family 
broken up, and their personal property sold at 
auction. Dr. Robinson was a remarkable man. In 
early life he educated himself in all kinds human 
and divine learning, without ever having been within 
the walls of a college, he made himself a more 
profound scholar than almost any one, who had 
spent his whole life in it. Although he labored on 
a farm till he was 18 years of age, the Latin, Greek 
and Hebrew languages were completed in early life, 
and having pursued a course of theological studies, 
was settled shortly after arriving to the age of man- 
hood. In 1847, the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
was conferred upon him, by Dartmouth college, and 
no man was more worthy. 

As a Theological writer Dr. Robinson was sur- 
passed by no one; and had very few equals, although 
not many of his works have appeared in public. 

The columns of the Congregational Journal, have 



APPKXDIX. lOI 

frequently been fax'ored with the liroductions of his 
pen. 

About the year 1815, he visited Acworth, during 
a powerful revival of reli^^ion in that town. The 
next sabbath, he preached a sermon from Luke 15, 
10. "Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the 
presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that 
repenteth," in which he gave an interesting account 
of the revival, and many incidents connected with 
it; which sermon was printed, by the request of his 
audience, and was considered one of his most extra 
productions. 

In 180Q, a doctrinal controversy was carried on 
between Dr. Robinson and the Rev. Mr. Paine of 
Washington, and Rev. Mosea Ballou of Vermont. 

The origin of the controversy was as follows: Rev. 
Messrs. Paine & Ballou, addressed a letter to three 
Orthodox ministers, viz.: Rev. L Robinson, Rev. 
Reed Page, of Hancock and Rev. Stephen Chapin 
of Hillsborough, inviting them to a verbal dispute, 
on the subject of Universal Salvation. Rev. Mr. 
Chapin being out of health at the time, Messrs. 
Robinson c^ Page wrote a reply, in which, after 
declining, for reasons which they there stated, a 
verbal dispute, they informed Messrs. Paine & 
Ballou, that if either of them should see fit to publish 
on the subject, one or the other of them, would 
attempt a reply. Accordingly, Mr. Paine published 
a pamphlet entitled a "Doctrinal Controversy, «5<:c." 
to which Mr. Robinson published a pamphlet entitled 
"A Candid Reply." To this Mr. Ballou wrote an 
answer, but a very few of them w^ere ever circulated. 

Joseph Healy. Esq., immediately issued a pamph- 



I02 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

let exposing the character of Mr. Paine. Mr. Ballou's 
attempting to vindicate him, turned the controversy 
into a different channel, and no answer appeared 
necessar}^ to Mr. Ballou's rejoinder. These works 
were widely circulated and extensively read. 

A similar controversy was began in 1826, between 
Mr. Robinson and Rev. Mr. Sullivan, of Keene, 
Unitarian clergymen, under the following circum- 
stances. Rev. Dr. Robinson preached a sermon at 
Nelson, "illustrating the human and official inferi- 
ority and supreme divinity of Jesus Christ," which 
was published by request of the audience. On this 
sermon Mr. Sullivan published "remarks." Dr. 
Robinson then published "a Review," on this review 
Mr. Sullivan published a "Reply," of this reply. Dr. 
Robinson published a brief examination. To this 
Mr. Sullivan replied in a pamphlet entitled "A brief 
exposure of Mr. Robinson's evasions, perversions, 
&c. On this last pamphlet, Dr. wrote "Strictures," 
which ended the controversy. 

The summer of 1854 was memorable for the 
excessive drouth, perhaps its equal has never been 
known. Streams of water were dried up, that was 
never known to be dry by the "oldest inhabitant." 

Grasshoppers, in some parts of the town, were 
numerous and made much havoc among the fields 
of grain, the crop of hay was light, being the third 
year, that the hay crop was reduced one-half, from 
an ordinary one. Fire too, madegreat havoc among 
the timber and woodland. In the early part of 
September, a fire was raging in a piece of land, 
covered with brush and other combustible matter. 

On the Forest road, towards Hancock, a three 



TOWN Ol'KICKRS. 



lO- 



horse team was passing at the same time, loaded 
with merchandize. The fire approached with such 
rapidity, that *^he teamster escaped to save his life; 
but the horses were left to perish and the wagon 
and goods were entirely consumed. 

1855' — Tuesday, Feb. 6, a remarkably cold day, 
the coldest for 45 years, thermometer 33 degrees 
below zero. In Massachusetts it was much colder. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 



TOWN CLERKS. 

NO. YEAKS. 



NO. YE.\RS 



774. 
776, 

778. 
780, 
781, 
783, 
785, 
786, 

787, 
788, 

789, 
791. 
792, 

793. 
794. 
795. 

1774. 
1775. 
1776. 
1777, 

1778. 



Oliver Parker, 2 1798, 

Isaac Temple, 2 1802, 

Ephraim Adams, 2 1803, 

Seth Wheeler, i 181 2, 

Nath'l Emerson, 2 1813, 

Ephraim Adams, 2 1814, 

Israel Towne, 1 1821, 

Eleazer Blake, i 1827, 

Ephraim Adams, i 1830, 

Ward Eddy, i 1832, 

Israel Towne, 2 1841, 

Nath'l Emerson, i 1844, 

Nathaniel Evens, i 185 1, 

Eleazer Blake, i 1853, 
Gardner Towne, i 
Ward Eddy, 3 



Simeon Gould, 
Jonathan Davis, 
Simeon Gould, 
Aaron Matson, 
Isaiah Reed, 
Aaron Matson, 
Dan forth Taylor, 
Frances Matson, 
Danforth Taylor. 
J. W. Eaton, 
William S. Cilley, 
Jonas P. Reed, 
Eben A. Rice, 
Ches. A. Blodgett. 



SELECTMEN. 

Oliver Parker, .loiiatliaii lifiiiict. Sila.s Wrif^ht. 
Oliver Parker, Isaac Temple, Kpliraiin Adams. 

Alexander Scott, Nathaniel Kmer.«on, Isaac Kinney. 
L'*aac Temple, Silas Wright, .John Dntton. 

.Joseph Dodge, .lohn Farley. 
Ephraim Adams, .Xhrahain Morrison, .John S]>nnliliiig. 



I04 



HISTORY OF STODDARD. 



1779. Ephraim Adaniss, 

1780. Seth Wheeler, 

1781. Nath'l Emerson, 

1782. Nath'l Emerson, 
1783-4 Ephraim Adams, 

1785. Israel Towne, 

1786. Edmund Ingalls, 

1787. Ephraim Adams, 

1788. Ephraim Adams, 

1789. Israel Towne, 

1790. Israel Towne, 

1791. Nath'l Emerson, 

1792. Nathaniel Evens, 

1793. Eleazer Blake, 
Nath'l Joslin, 

1794. Gardner Towne, 

1795. David Joslin, 
1706. Isaac Fisher, 

1797. Simeon Gould, 
Job Brooks, 

1798. Simeon Gould, 

1799. Simeon Gould, 

1800. Simeon Gould, 

1801. S. Gould, 

1802. Jonathan Davis. 
1804-5-6. S. Gould, 
1807. S. Gould, 
1808-9. S. Gould, 
1810-11. S. Gould, 

1812. Aaron Matson. 

1813. Isaiali Reed, 
1814-15. A. Matson, 

1816. A. Matson, 

1817. A. Matson, 
1818-19-20. A. Matson 
1821-2. D. Taylor, 
1823-4-5-6. D. Taylor. 
1827-8-9. F. Matson, 

1830. D. Ta.ylor, 

1831. D. Taylor, 
1832-3. Jacob Taylor, 
1834. Frances Matson 
1835-6. Jacob Taylor, 



Seth Wheeler. 
David Haws, 
Ephraim Adams, 
David Scott, 
Israel Towne, 
Edmund Ingalls, 
Peter Wright, 
Israel Towne, 
Ward Eddy, 
Jacob Copeland, 
Jacob Copeland, 
Isaac Fisher, 
David Joslin, 
Nathaniel Evens, 
Gardner Towne. 
David Joslin, 
Nathaniel Joslin, 
Timothy Thom])son 
Asher Loveland, 
Enos Locke. 
Jacob Copeland, 
David Joslin, 
David Joslin, 
I). Joslin, 
Simon Greenwood, 
D. Joslin, 
D. Joslin, 
A. Matson. 
D. Joslin, 
Isaiah Reed, 
Nathaniel .losliu, 
D. Tayloi-, 
D. Taylor. 
D. Taylor, 
, Lucas Thom])son, 
L. Thomi)son, 
Frances Matson, 
Isaac Duncan, 
Jacob Taylor, 
L. Thompson, 
William Wilson, 
, William Wilson, 
I. W. Eaton, 



Jacob (Jopeland. 
Samuel Parks. 
Jam^'S AVilson. 
Bevioni Boynton. 
James Scott. 
I»eter Wright. 
Waid Eddy.. 
Isaac Thompson. 
Petei- Wright. 
William Osgood. 
James Soott. 
David Joslin. 
Isaac Fisher. 
Ednmnd Ingalls, 

Nathaniel Joslin. 
Nathaniel Evens. 
, John Spaulding. 
Benjamin Wright, 

Nathaniel Evens. 
Asher Loveland. 
Jacob Copeland. 
Simon Greenwood. 
Nathaniel Evens. 
.1. Copeland. 
Aaron Matson. 
Benjamin Wright. 
Isaiah Reed. 
Danforth Taylor. 
Moody Cutter. 
B. Wright. 
I). Joslin. 
Benjamin Wright. 
Daiifortli Taylor. 
Abraham Co])eland. 
Isaac Duncan. 
Isaiah Reed. 
Lucas Thompson. 
Bethuel Thompson. 
William Shedd. 
B. Thom])son. 
William Wilson. 



SELECTMEN. 



lO 



1S3T. William Wilson, Isaiali Rivd, 

1S38. Jai'ob Taylor, Isaiah Kcwl, 

1885). J. Taylor, I. F. Towno, 

1840, William Wilson, Silas Diiismoro, 

18-41-2. S. Dinsmui-o, Jonas V. Koed, 

1843-4-5. ,1. Taylor, Cleon G. Towne, 

184G. William Wilscjii, G. Scrii)tnre, 

1847. Ck'on G. Towno, I'^liphaleli Fox, 

1848. E. Stevens, William Wilson, 

1849. Jacob Taylor, E. Stevens, 

1850. J. Taylor, ('. G. Towne, 

1851. G. Seripturc, Lnman W'coks, 

1852. William Wilson, A. Knowlton, 



1858. Silas Dinsmore, E. Fox, 

REPRESENTATIVES 



Israel F. Towne. 
I. F. Towne. 
Edward L. Vose. 
Frederick Brooks. 
Eliphalet Fox. 
Gilnian Script nr(>. 
E. Fox. 

Epliraim Stevens. 
William F. Loomis. 
William F. Lo(Mnis. 
Lnman Weeks. 
Abner Knowlton. 
Nathan Morse. 
John S. Wilson. 



VKS. 

I 

4 
I 



1794-5, Nath'l Emerson, 2 1828, F. Matson, 

1797, Jacob Copeland, i 1829-32, D. Taylor, 

1798-1801, N. Emerson, 4 1833, J. W. Eaton, 

1S02, Gardner Towne, i 1834-5, Jacob Taylor, 2 

1803, David Joslin, i 1836, Isaac Duncan, i 

1804-5, Nath'l Emerson, 2 1837-8, Jacob Taylor, 2 

1806-7, Aaron Matson, 2 1839, J. W. Eaton, i 

1808-9, Gardner Towne, 2 1 840-1, Asa Copeland, 2 

1 8 10- 1 3, A. Matson, 4 1842, Isaiah Reed, i 

1 814-16, I). Taylor, 3 1843-4, J. Taylor, 2 

1817, Aaron Matson. i 1845, J- ^^ • F^ton, 1 

1818, Dan forth Taylor, i 1846, J. Taylor, i 

1819, A. Matson, i 1847-8, A. Knowlton, 2 
1820-2, D. Taylor, 3 1849-50, Wm. Wilson. 2 
1823-6, Francis Matson. 4 1851 -2, Eliphalet l^'o.x. 2 
1827, Aaron Matson, i 1853, Ebenezer Rice. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, 

NOW IN COMMISSION. 

Jacob Taylor. Abner Knowlton, 

William Wilson, P^liphalet Fox, 



io6 



HISTORY OF STODDARD. 



Jonas T. Reed, 
Gardner Towne, 



Isaiah Gould, 
Gilman Scripture, 
Ebenezer A. Rice. 

The Names of Men found on the Town Books, 

Who Hved in town between 1775 and 1800, and 

have no descendants left and the present 

generation know nothing of them. 



Nehemiah Adams, 
Thomas Adams, 
Zachariali Adams, 
Elec Adams, 
Jonathan Bennet, 
Amos Buttei-field, 
Thomas Rurdit, 
Aaron Blaisdel, 
Baruch Bolster, 
Joseph Brockway, 
Benoni Boyntoii, 
Andrew Boynton, 
James Crosfield, 
Jonathan Cummings, 
Jonathan Chandler, 
Thomas (^umminf^'s, 
Samuel McCloud, 
William Diitton, 
John Button, 
.John Davis, 
William Eaton, 
Samuel Farnsworth, 
William Frink, 
Stephen Greswold, 



•Toel Gilson, 
Patrick Grady, 
Joshua Hogg, 
David Haws, 
Richard Holding, 
Caleb Hunt, 
Joseph Hazel tine, 
Ambrose Hale, 
Jesse Howard, 
Jonathan Hamblet, 
Edmund Ingalis, 
James Jei-rett, 
Daniel Kenny, 
Moses Kenny, 
Daniel Keys, 
Jacob Keni](, 
Kzekiel Kingsbury, 
Isaac Kimball, 
.lohii N. Mather, 
Dennis Organ, 
John Ober, 
Snmuel Parks, 
Samuel Parker, 
Nathan Procter, 



Asa Parker, 
Phinehas Parker, 
Thomas Bobbins, 
Henry Spaulding, 
Allen Spear, 
Samuel Sever, 
Josiah Shapeley, 
John Stroud, 
.John Tenny, 
Isaac Tenijjle, 
Joseph Taylor, 
Ebenezer Taylor, 
Amos Taylor, 
Abraham Taylor, 
Isaac Taylor, 
Stephen Twitchell, 
.lohn AA'ilson, 
John Wasson, 
Jose])h Wheat, 
Abner Whitney, 
Samuel Wells, 
Joseph Woods, 
Paul Wright, 
Eleazer Wright. 



The First Tax Assessed in Town was in 1784. 

The Followino were those who Paid it. 



*Obadiah .lenkins, 

Lemuel .lenkins, 

•Tohn Walton, 
*Ephraim Adams, 

Phinehas Richardson, 

Sa.mue] Sever, 



nVilliam Robb, 
*Samuel Robb, 
John Morrison, 
Samuel Morrison, 
.lesse JaesoU; 
.lames Robb, 



Samuel Seward, 
*Josiah Seward, 

Ezra Ansgood, 
*John Greene, 

.laeob Kemp, 
*Da,niel Ivocke, 



*H}tve descendants in town. 



TAX-rAVERS IN 1 784. 



10: 



Saiiuiol (Jniiistock, 
^ EliiutliiUi Heed, 

Abiier Whitney, 

KIk'iu'zci- Craiii, 
*lMiilii) l$ar(U'ii, 

•Tt'sse Haywood, 
*.Iaines Bardon, 
Maaics Scott, 
'Alexander Scott, 

Alexander Scott, Jr.. 
*Natlian Hardy, 

Isaiah Hardy, 

Jonas Hardy, 

Arthur ]'. Hardy, 

Ehenezer Hardy, 

Hciijaniin Hardy, 
*('ai>t. Sihis Wrij>ht, 

Caleb Wrig-ht, 
*T)aniel Stevens, 
*Saninel Geronld, 

Samuel MtiCiond, 
*Ricliard Emerson, 

Edmund Taylor, 

Stei»hen Twitchell, 

Andrew Robh, 

David Sr-ott. 

Nathan Piorter, 

Aaron Fairbanks, 

Samuel Eades. 
•Richard Richardson, 
*!>evi Spaulding', 
Mohn Spauldinu:, 

Jonathan Cninmin^,s, 
i. John Tau,f»art, 



Patrick Grndy, 

*Joshua Reed, 
Isaac Taylor, 
William Wilson, 

'Nathaniel Evens, 

*()badiah Jenkins, Jr, 
Harb(n- Farnsworth 
John Adams. 

*01iver Hodp;man, 

*Saniuel Wilson, 
Samuel Farnsworth, 
Aaron Taylor, 
Samuel Evens, 
William Dutton, 

*J()se]»h Dodf;e, 

*I)avid Jenkins, 
Jonathan Burnam, 

"Ichobod Kieth, 
Nathan Bolster, 

*Jacob Co[)eland, 
Ei»hraim Brockway, 
Dan Brockway, 
James Jerrett, 
John Robb, 
Eli Adams, 
Isaac Barrett, 
Richard Holden, 
Eben'r I'^arley, 
John X. Mather, 

*John Henry, 

*John Henry, Jr., 
Ziba Henry, 

*Benja,min Dunn, 

*P.-ter Wrio-ht, 



*Enos Locke, 

Benoni Boynton, 

Thomas Nickols, 

Ebenezi'r Wri};ht, 
Monathan Shedd, 

Benjamin Howard, 
, Ezra Baker, 

Amos Taylor, 

Josiali Bobbins, 

Daniel Kej's, 
* James Wilson, 

David Morrison, 
*IMiinehas Parker, 

Benjamin Davis, 

Asa Parker, 
*Saniuel Parker, 

John I'^arley, 

Job Brooks, 

Allen S])ear, 
*Isaac Thomjjson, 

Joimthan^Tliomiison, 

Joel Gilson, 
*Noah Woods, 

Moses Kenney, 

Isaac Kenn(y. 

Daniel Kenney, 

Samuel Parks, 

John Dutlon, 
*William I'ii-her, 

Nathaniel Emerson, 
'Israel Towne, 
'Israel Towne, Jr. 

William Towrn-, 

Edmund Iii<!,alls, 



TlIK FOLLOWING WFRF TaX-PaVKKS IN 1 80O. 



*E|ihi-aim .\dams, 
]']|ihraim Adams. .Fi-., 
John Adams, 
Israel .\bbott. 
David Alh'ii. 



Timothy r)ail(y, 
*Job Brooks, 
-Itenben Barrett, 

Jacob I'.lod^vtt. 

John I>r()wn, 



'.lolm Barker, 
John Ball, 
Xoah I?ai<len, 
A(|uil!a Barden, 

-Philili Barden. 



-Have Descendants in Town. 



io8 



HISTORY OF STODDARD. 



John Brooks, 

Ebenezer Blake, 
-Isaac Barrett, 

Oliver Boutwell, 

Andrew Cram, 

Asa Chandler, 

Abial Cram, 
-Willard Corey, 

William Chambers, 
-William Corey, 
-Jacob Copeland, 
-John D. Copeland, 
-Isaac Copeland, 

Abraham Copeland, 

Steplien Carter, 
-Isaac Carter, 

Jonas Chase, 
-Samuel Dow, 
-Benjamin Davis, 
-Benjamin Dunn, 
-Jonas Dunn, 
-Jonathan Davis, 
-Elijah Davis, 
-Josei)h Dodge, 

Reuben Davis, 

Ephraim Dakiu, 
-Elijah Dodge, 

Joseph Emerson, 
-Nathaniel Evens, 

Nathaniel Emerson, 
-Richard Emerson, 

Moses Emerson, 
-Ziba Richardson, 
-Richard Richardson 
-Richard Richardson, Jr 

Phinehas Richardson, 
-Nathan Richardsf)n, 

William Mansfield, 
-Willard Mansfield, 

John Morrison, 

Robert Morrison, 

Abraham Morrison, 

-Ha 



James Ball, 
Edward Bates, 
Nathaniel Blodgett, 
Daniel Cram, 
Cyrus AlexaTider, 
William Eaton, 
Aaron Fairbanks, 
Aaron Fairbanks, Jr, 
Jonathan Felt, 
John B. Flint, 

-Daniel Foster, 

-Joel Flint, 

-Isaac Fisher, 
Harbor Farnsworth , 
Samuel Farnswoi-th, 

-Samuel Foster, 
Jonas Flint, 
Samuel Gregg, 
Simon Greenwood, 

-Nathaniel Gilson, 

-Simon Gould, 

-Johti Greene, 

-Samuel Gerould, 

-Enos Goodale. 
Ambrose Hale, 
John Holt, 
William Howard, 
Samuel Hodges, 
David Hodgman, 

-Oliver Hodgman, 

-Oliver Hodgman, Jr. 

-John Henry, 

-Enos Locke, 
Aaron Matson, 
., Nathan B. Monroe, 

-Samuel Messengei', 
Samuel Morrison, 
EInathan Reed, 

-John Spaulding, 
-Willard Spaulding. 

-Levi Si)au!ding, 
Aaron Spaulding, 
ve Descendants in tow 



-Ebenezer Barden, 

Abisha Colton, 
John Cram, 
-John Cram, Jr., 
-John Henry, Jr., 

Beni Henry, 

Reuben Hodgman, 

Benjamin Howard, 
-George Holmes, 
-Reuben Heath, 

.fesse Hardy, 

Joshua Hogg, 

Stei)hen Hardy, 

Josiah Hardy, 

Arthur P. Hardy, 

Isaiah Hardy, 
-Nathan Hardy, 

Jesse Haywood, 

Edmund Ingalls, 

Obodiah Jenkins, 
-Obodiah Jenkins, Jr. 

Jonathan Jenkins, 
-David Jenkins, 
-Nathaniel Joslin. 
-David Joslin, 
-Jonathan Jel'fts, 

Samuel Jojies, 

John Knight, 
-Oliver Kemp, 
-Oliver P. Kcnip, 

David Locke, 
-Asher Loveland, 

Eben Tarbox, 
-Israel Towne, 
-Israel Towne, .li'., 
-Danforth Taylor, 
-Benjamin Towne, 
-Johji Taggart, ^ — ' 
-Gardner Towne, 

Andrew Towne, 

Daniel Towne, 

Jeremiah Wright, 



TAX-l'AYERS IN 1 8oO. lOQ 

IFugli Maxfiokl, Nathan Rh.>dtl, I'aul Wrij^lit, 

Peter Nilcs, -Jonathan Sliedd, -IVter Wright, 

John ()sji;oo(l, Ambrose Stac.v, Jolin WcHton, 

-Edward IMiclps. -Daniel Stevens, Joel AVrij;lit, •' 

-William I'ielier. -Ileni'.v Stevens, Ste|)lu'n Wright, 

-Ellis IMeher, David Seott, -Silas \Vrij;li(, 

-Joseph I'roeter, William Scott, Silas Wi-ifi,iit, Jr. 

-Jason Parmenter, -James Scott, -Benjamin Wright, 

Jonathan Petts, John Stroud, Ebenezer Wright, 

-Azariah Procter, Aaron Shattuck, -Noah Wood, 

-Samuel Robb, -Asa Stevens, -Samuel Wilson, 

-Samuel Uobb. Jr., Samuel Sever -James AVilson, 

Jonathan Thomi>son, William Robb, -James Wilson, Jr. 

Andrew Uobb. Timothy Tli()m])s()n,-Jose])h Wilson, 

Moor Robb, .\mos Thompson, -Jonas Wilson, 

-Joshua Reed, -Nathaniel Tuttle, -Joel Wilson, 

Eli;dcim Reed. -Renjamin Tarble, J()s(>|)ii Wood. 

-Isaiah Reed, -Jonas Tarble. 

T.)4 Families. lOO, no deseendeiits left. 

-Have descendants in town. 
IHijG, There are seven of the foregoing- number remaining in lown. 
viz.: Willard Corev, Isaac Copeland, Elijah Dodge. Samuel l'\)ster. 
Oliver Tlodgman, Isaiah RcimI, Danforth Taylor. 
Elijah Do.lge. died Mareh. IS.",?. .\ged, 1)5. 

Some of the F.aiiy Settlers. 

John Taggart, was tlic pioneer in the settlement 
of Stotlchird. 1 1(^ came from Feterhoro antl settled 
near the village in the center of the town. I lis log 
hut stood near where Nathan Morse's buildings arc. 

The well that is back of his shop, it is said Mrs, 
Taggart dug with her fire shovel. 

No one of the settlers suffered so much, none 
whose trials and hardships so great as was Mr. 
laggart's. While we attem|jt to chronicle sonu; of 
the events that transpired in the early days of our 
forefathers, the case of Mr, Taggart, deserves some- 
thing more than a passing notice. Me was born in 



no HISTORY OF STODDARD, 

Londonderry, Ireland, in the year 1722. He came 
to this country when quite a lad, at the same time, 
came the young lady that was his future wife. They 
landed at Boston, and both were bound out to ser- 
vice to pay the expense of the voyage. In after 
years they were married and went to Londonderry, 
in this state, where they remained till about 1760, 
then they came to Peterboro and in 1768 came to 
Stoddard, then a howling wilderness. 

Their nearest neighbors were at Peterboro, Wal- 
pole and Keene. Their provisions were to be 
brought from Peterboro by Mr. Taggart, on his 
back through the pathless wilderness and often 
through deep snows. On one occasion, the snow 
was so deep and the weather so extremely cold, that 
he delayed going for a supply of provision, till his 
whole stock was consumed, except the flesh of a 
Moose, Mr. Taggart then went for a supply. After 
arriving there another tremendous snow storm 
came, which made it impossible for him to return. 
Snow fell more than three feet deep in this storm. 
He remained there till the ninth morning before he 
attempted to return, then with a little meal and 
probably some other necessaries upon his back, 
began his wearisome journey through the wilderness 
to his starving family. After arriving within sight 
of his cot, in the early part of the evening, he was 
so much overcome with the thought of the fate of 
his family, supposing that every member of it must 
have perished, that he was unable to proceed. 

Having spent some time in reflection he approach- 
ed the house, but was still unable to open the door 
till he heard a voice within. On entering the house 



EARLY TIMES. 1 I I 

his first words were: "Be ye all alive?" 

In view of the sufferings and danger they had 
experienced and the joy of finding himself again 
with his family and by his fireside, so completely 
overpowered them that no other word was spoken 
for many minutes and their gratitude was expressed 
by a profusion of tears. 

Before his land was under cultivation his hay was 
cut on a piece of meadow land that was partly 
cleared by beavers, now owned b)' James Scott antl 
known as the Moor Robb meadow, and drawn to 
his residence in the middle of the town, on a hand- 
sled (after making a path in the snow, on some 
warm day, with snow shoes) a distance between 3 
and 4 miles, also on another piece of land cleared 
in the same manner, formerly owned by Peter 
Wright. In this manner Mr. Taggart obtained a 
sufficient quantity to keep his cow through the long 
winter. 

He soon chaired his land and began to keep more 
stock, his sheep and sometimes young cattle were 
killed by wolves and other wild beasts. When he 
began to cultivate his land, his implements were of 
tlic rudest kind. The first plow evc-r used in town, 
Mr. Taggart brought from Peterboro, on his back. 
Mrs. Taggart brought at the same time, a foot 
spinning wheel. 

Scarce had he began to enjo\- the comforts of 
home and a release from the toil and hardship 
which he had experienced, before the war of the 
Revolution was about to commence. The domestic 
circle, his family and fireside were to be exchanged 
for the camp and the strife of contending armies. 



112 PilSTORY OF STODDARD. 

His first service was with a party to cut a road 
that the army and military stores might be trans- 
ported through the wilderness to Burlington. He 
then entered the army, but how long he remained 
in it, we have no means of knowing, probably his 
service was not of long continuance. 

It is said he sold a pair of oxen for 40 dollars and 
paid the whole towards the support of the army. 

Mrs. Taggart, too was far from "eating the bread 
of idleness." She was accustomed to perform much 
out of door labor. In the absence of her husband, 
the whole care of the farm and stock was assigned 
to her and in the most busy seasons of the year, 
would accompany him to his daily labor from home 
and has taken her sickle and gone with him to 
Peterboro, on Monday morning, and returned on 
Saturday night, receiving the same wages as her 
husband did. 

Mr. Taggart died, 1792, aged 70 years. Their 
family consisted of ten children, none are in town. 

The widow of his eldest son is still living here, 
aged 82. 

Richard Richardson's, was the next family that 
came into town. They came from Townsend, Mass. 
in 1 77 1. He began the place owned by Isaac P. 
Howe, died, 1843, aged "i. His family consisted of 
ten sons and two daughters, all have died except a 
daughter who lives in Alstead, two grandsons are 
all the relatives in town. The first child born in 
town was a son of Mr. Richardson. The proprie- 
tors had promised a lot of land to the first child 
born there and John Richardson was entitled to it. 

Mr. Richardson was a soldier during the war of 



i:ari,n skitlkks. i 13 

the rc'Nolution. :incl was with Cjcmi. Arnold as he 
went through the wilderness against Quebec, whose 
sufferini^s were extreme, their provisions were so 
reduced that each man's allowanct? was 3 ounces of 
bread and 3 of meat. 

riu' widow ot Richard Richardson, |r. is still li\- 
in^r in town, at the a.t^e of 8q years, the oldest 
person. 

RiunKN Walton, came here about the same Umc. 
and built near where Samuel Coj^eland lives. Mis 
house was made by splittin<^ ash lo^^s into boards 
and pinning- them on poles stuck into the ground. 

1 le tlitl not remain in town long and little is 
known of him. 

Bknjamin DiXN. came from Chelmsford, in 1771, 
he began the place owned by Joseph Richardson but 
li\-ed in several different places, died. 1S23, aged jb. 

1)a\ii) Wilson, from Peterboro, was the fifth 
family in town. He began the farm owned l)y the 
town as a Poor-farm. He died soon after, the family 
was broken up and Mrs. Wilson returned to Peter- 
boro. .She came back and John, her eldest son, 
attempted to clear up the farm, he died, and another 
son I)a\id, took the place but he left and went West 
and James the youngest, came and lixed with his 
mother. Circimistances made it necessary for lu;r 
to lea\-e and go and live with a son at the West, 
where she died. 

lew of the settlers underwent more hardshi|) than 
old lady Wilson. .She often trax'elled to l\'terboro 
and carried a child in her arms, on one occasion she 
carried herchikl and a half bushel of meal with the 
assistance of a small bo\ . 



114 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

John N. Mather, was in town as early as 1771. 
He came from Connecticut and began the farm 
known as the Cram place. He left town and went 
to Vermont. 

Joseph Dodge, from Winchester, in 1772 moved 
into the house with Mr. Mather, and remained there 
a short time and then went on a farm at the lower 
end of Center Pond. 

Mr. Dodge went into the Continental army in the 
early part of it and died at Philadelphia, in 1782, of 
the Small-Pox. 

Ephraim Adams, long known as Deacon Adams, 
a native of Chelmsford, came to town in 1772. 

Prior to his settling here, he came when quite 
young and assisted in laying out the town into lots. 

Died, 1823, aged 72. Deacon Adams was a worthy 
man, was chosen Deacon of the church at its first 
organization in 1785, and held the office till he died. 

Oi.TVER Parker, was quite an early resident in 
town. He came from Groton as early as 1772 or 3. 

When the town was incorporated in 1774, Mr. 
Parker was appointed to call the first meeting, and 
was chosen moderator, town-clerk and first select- 
man. Mr. Parker soon lost his popuhirity. At the 
breaking out of the Revolution war, his attachment 
to the mother country was so strong, that he found 
it necessary for him to leave town and took up a 
residence in the British dominions, off NewBruns- 
wick. He lived on the hill west of the village, built 
the house where Gardner Towne lives, and the 
town-meetings and religious meetings, for some 
years were held at his house. 1 his house is the 
oldest dwelling^ house in town. 



1 AKIN SK rri.Kks. 1 15 

J)a\ii) Haws, married a clau«j:htcr of Mr. l^arkcr 
and hey^an the tariii where Jesse Wilder hves, he 
left and went with Mr. Parker when he left town. 

jwii.s W'lLsox, came from Townsend, Mass. in 
1774. lie be^an the farm where John Wilson (his 
son I li\es. He canie to town, cleared some land, 
raised i^^rain and set out some fruit trees, before 
briniring his family. 1 le raised apples from trees 
that he set out as earl\- as 177Q, the first that grew 
in town. 

Mr. Wilson soon became a large land-holder and 
a wealthy man. The only road leading through 
town, for many years, passed l)y his residence. He 
kept a house of entertainment, it was extensively 
known as Wilson's Tavern. His family consisted 
of U\c sons and a daughter, the sons all settled in 
town; land sufhcitMit lor a good farm was furnished 
by the father. Jonas lived a little south of the old 
homestead, he was thrown from his horse and 
instanti\' killed in iS2i,aged 43. No one of his 
family are in town. James lixcd and died where 
Hervey now li\'es. Joel lived many years where 
Deacon Luke |oslin lives and is the oldest person 
in town who was born here. |esse was ne\cr 
married. 

Mr. \\ ilson 1 senior 1 was a soldier in the brench 
war. He went back to Townsend in 171)7, died, 
iSog, aged 67. 

Bkniami.n I)a\ is, becaiutt a resident in town in 
1772, he came from Chelmsford, lb- li\cd in 
several different places, but lor the greater part ol 
the time in the north-east part. He died, iS2g, aged 
<So. His third wife died in 1S53, at the age of 94. 



Il6 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Silas Wright, from Westford, came to town 
quite early, the precise time is not known, he was 
in town in 1774 and was one of the first board of 
selectmen, and was the first captain of a militia 
company. It is unknown at what time a company 
was organized but previous to 1784. He built mills 
at the Mill Village and the first in town. He also 
carried on tanning business for many years, one of 
his buildings used for a bark house, is still standing 
and is the oldest building in town, it is used by 
Wm. Parker for a barn. 

Peter Wright, from Westford, came at the same 
time and lived north from the middle of the town, 
not on any public road. Died, 1843, aged gi. 

Jacob Copeland, became an inhabitant in town 
in 1775, came from Stoughton, Mass. He began 
the farm where he lived to an advanced age, now 
owned by Asa, his son. He became a wealthy man 
and was often chosen as one of the selectmen and 
representative to the state legislature. He had six 
sons, who settled in town, four are now living here, 
viz.: Isaac, Asa, David and Samuel. Died, 1837, 
aged Qi. 

Job Brooks, a native of Lmcoln, Mass. came to 
Hancock and lived some years. He became a resi- 
dent in this town in 1787 or 8. The farm he long 
cultivated, is a part of the one owned by the town. 
It was not entirely new. some land had been 
cleared and a house built by John Farley. Mr. 
Brooks lived on the farm till age rendered him past 
labor, then he went to live with his eldest son Daniel, 
and died in Charlestown, N. H. He married Sally 
Hildreth, a very worthy woman, few women have 



KAKl.Y SKTTLKRS. I 17 

done more towards supporting a large family and 
performing faithfully the duties of a housekeeper 
than Mrs. Brooks. The first summer after they 
came to town, she was under the necessity of going 
to Mr. Gerould's, a distance of nearly a mile, to do 
all her baking, she would knead her dough, tie it up 
in a cloth and take it upon one arm, and her child 
upon the other and carry them across the woods 
and return at night with a supply of the "staff of 
life." In their family of ten children may be seen a 
rude specimen of nicknaming, their names were 
Sally, Daniel, Lucy, Job, Gardner, Tryphena, Can- 
dace, Alfred, Grosvenor and Lincoln, they were 
called by the parents and others, Sal, Dan, Luce, 
job, Gard, Phene, Can. Arl, Grove and Link. 

jc^b's name was afterwards changed to Frederick, 
by an act of the legislature and was called b^red. of 
course. No descendant or relative now live in town. 

A neighborhood in the south-east part of the 
town was settled principally by emigrants from 
Peterboro, consequently were of the Scotch Irish 
descent, viz.: Alexander Scott, David Scott, John 
Robb and his sons Andrew and Moor, Patrick 
CiradN". Samuel Robb, Samuel Morrison and perhaps 
others. 

Ai.F.XANDF.K Scott, was among the hrst settlers, 
his sons James and Alexander had at the time 
arri\ed at the age of manhood, they settled on the 
farm now owned and occupied by James Scott and 
has ever remained in the family. 

David Scott, another of the numl)er, li\-ed near 
to James. lie raised a large famih-. they all died 
with consumption, while in the middle age of life, 



Il8 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

except a daughter, who lives in Nelson. Died, 1855. 
Samuel Morrison, began the place that still bears 
his name. After clearing up his farm and becom- 
ing somewhat wealthy, he went back to Peterboro. 
Samuel Robb, built on the same lot with Morrison 
but many years since moved to the place where his 
son James now lives, he built a grist and saw mill. 
John Robb, with Andrew his son, lived a little 
south of where Daniel Upton's buildings stand. 
The house bore the name of the "Old Ark" from 
what cause is unknown. They moved to Antrim 
in 1796 and began to clear up that extensive range 
of pasture land in the west part of the town, and for 
many years, was known as Robb's Mountain. 
Andrew left many years ago and went to the 
state of New York, where he died. 

Moor Robb, also went to the "Mountain" some 
years after Andrew, and went to New York also. 
Uncle Moor as he was called, was quite hard of 
hearing, and it was said, had a faculty of hearing 
some things much better than others. When any 
thing was spoken of, against his interest or con- 
venience, he was quite deaf, but if any one should 
ask him to drink a little toddy, he could hear as 
readily as most men. 

When he went to the "Mountain" the land, being 
new and after taking off a crop of rye, it produced 
herdsgrass in large quantities, which was harvested 
merely to obtain the seed. Uncle Moor having a 
quantity one year, went to Stoddard and sold it to 
the trader there for less than the worth of it, not 
knowing the price, and was to carry it up the next 
time he went. He soon found he had made a bad 



1^ARI.^■ SK'[ ri.KRS. I ig 

baru^ain, and did not carry it as he had a^^rccd and 
the following- dialogue took place. 

Trader, sa)s: "Uncle Moor did you bring that 
grass seed?" 

Moor: "No." 

Trader: "Well, 1 depend upon it." 

Moor: "Did you say you didn't want it?" 

Trader: "No, I said I ^//V/ want it." 

Moor: "Ah! well, you needn't have it if you don't 
want it." 

Trader: "But I do want it, I depend upon it." 

Moor: "I thought it was a fair bargain enough 
but you needn't have it." 

Trader: "But dani it I do want it. I depend upon 
it, 1 have j)romised it." 

Moor: "I can sell it to 1 lancock and you needn't 
ha\e it." Ashe was about to leave the store, he says, 
"Then )'ou saj' you won't take that grass seed. " 

Enos Goodai.k, a native of Shrewsbury, Mass. 
came to Temple, N. 11. and lived some years and in 
1787, came to the farm that long bore his name, 
now owned by Joel .Shedd. lie was in comfortable 
circumstances and took much pleasure^ in indulging 
the idea that he was l)etter off than liis neighbors. 

1 lis wife died in 1809, after lier death, his property 
began to waste for the want of a housekeeper and 
other miscalculations, till the income ot his hirm 
(which was secured to him 1)\ a liie lease 1 ditl not 
sup|)ort him, he was assisted b\- the town. 1 le died. 
1836, aged gi years, lie has no desccMidant or 
relati\'e in town (;xce]jt a daughter (land aiul she 
is sujiported Ijy the town. 

A neighborhood, in the west part of the town was 



I20 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

settled between 1784 and 1790 by emigrants from 
Leominster, and has ever been called "Leominster 
corner." They were John, Nathaniel and David 
Joslin; Levi, Luther and Edward Phelps, John 
Barker, Levi Blood and Joseph Knight. John 
Joslin took up, what has been known as the Par- 
menter place. He sold out and removed to Jaffrey. 

Luther Phelps' and Mr. Knight's farms were in 
Marlow and Mr. Blood's in Gilsum, although in the 
vicinity of those in Stoddard. Levi Phelps was 
never married, he was drowned in Chesterfield many 
years ago. They were an intelligent and industrious 
people. They lived in harmony with each other, 
most of them raised large families and accumulated 
a handsome property. Perhaps the most hostile 
affair, that ever occured among them was a duel, it 
w^as one fought between Levi Phelps and a man by 
the name of Polly. Some dispute arose between 
them which was carried to such an extent, that a 
challenge was given by Phelps and accepted by Polly. 

Col. Evens and David Joslin were chosen seconds. 
They were to use muskets. The parties insisted 
upon seeing the guns loaded with powder and balls. 

The seconds were careful to extract the balls be- 
fore giving the arms to the combatants. After 
receiving their instructions, the duelists took their 
position, marched the prescribed distance, wheeled 
about and hred; but as neither was killed "nor 
mortally wounded," a reconciliation was acconi- 
plished, with the aid of a few mugs of flip. 

A son of Deacon Nathaniel Joslin and one of Mr. 
Knight's are all that remain in 'Leominster corner' 
of the oriw-inal stock. 



KARl.V SKTIl.KRS. 121 

Isaac and Jonathan Thompson, (brothers) came 
from Sterling, in 1781. Isaac began the place where 
he lived to an advanced age. Bethuel, his only 
son inherited the farm but afterwards sold it to 
Horace Harden. Mr. Thompson had but two chil- 
dren, they both live in town. He died, 1823, aged 
04. 

Jonathan Thompson, began the farm afterwards 
owned by Luman, his son, who died in early man- 
hood, he then went to live with Jonathan, Jr., at 
Alstead, died, 1S45, aged 94. It is a singular fact 
that these men, with another brother married three 
sisters, by the name of Osgood. 

Samuel Gerould, from W'rentham, Mass, came 
to town and began the farm where he afterwards 
lived and died. The farm is still owned by Samuel, 
his son, but is improved as a pasture, some of the 
old buildings are yet standing. His first begining 
towards clearing his land, was on the memorable 
"Dark Day." May ig. 1786. Mr. (ierould died. 1S24. 
aged 68. 

Will lAM PrrciiKR, a nati\e of Rhode Island, came 
from .Xttleborough. in 1770, went on the farm now 
Isaac Copeland's, when it was a wilderness, died, 
1S24, aged 77. 

(iKOROK Hoi.MES, came from Sharon, Mass. in 
1792, and began a farm in the wcsterlx part ol the 
town at the place known as the "lirown jjasture,'" 

I Ic mo\-ed to the south |)art of the town to the 
farm now owned by Jesse Wilder, in iSooor iSoi, 
wlu^re he di(!d. 184;^ aged S2 \-ears. His famil\- 
consisted of ten children. 1 le was tlie first who tlied 
in liis f"amil\-; although tlie youngest was 40 years 



122 HISTORY OK STODDARD. 

old at the time. All have left town but two daugh- 
ters. The farm was began by David Haws, quite 
early. 

Isaac F'isher, began the farm where Nathan Nye 
lives, he came from Wrentham, Mass. Mr. Fisher 
was an intelligent man and quite independent in 
the circumstances of life. His family consisting of 
three sons and three daughters, were much respected. 

All have died except a son by a second marriage, 
who lives in Alstead. His eldest daughter was 
married; she and her husband died within a few 
days of each other, in May, 1802, aged 22. Mr. Fish- 
er died, 1816, aged 59. 

Jonathan Petts, from Towmsend, Mass. came to 
Stoddard in 1792 or 3. He found some land cleared 
and a log house and barn built. The farm was 
began b}^ one. Smith from New Ipswich. Mr. Pett's 
family was large, but all have left town and no 
relative remains. Died 1827, aged 75. 

Jonas Chase, was at the east part of the town. 

Sami'EL Dow, when first came to town, lived in a 
house west from where Gilson's tavern now stands. 

He lived many years in a house south from E. 
box, Esq.'s residence but died at Mill Village. 

Benjamin I), wis, livc^d in several different places 
but most of the time at the east part. 

Benjamin Dinn, when first came to town, lived 
where Joseph Richardson now is. The place was 
long known as the Stroud place, having been owned 
by a person by that name, afterwards was occupied 
by John Holt, Abner Bennett, Reuel Dodge, Ben- 
jamin Jenkins and others. 

Jonas Dinn, had no permanent residence but 



F.ARI.V SI iri.KKS. 123 

lived in many places. 

Jonathan Davis, lived and dictl where ( )l)ed 
Hale lives, tOrnierK it was owned hy Benona 
Boynton. 

Hi.isiiA 1)a\is, li\-ed where Marcus l)a\is is. 

Asa 1 )a\ is, li\{'d nian\' Nears where his lather 
lived. 

JosKi'ii DoixiK, lived south from Center pond, 
where his sons Rnfus and Ral|)h lived some years, 
subsequently, Rali)h and his son Milan. 

Rkl'BKN Davis, li\'ed where Sewel Page now owns. 

Ei'UKAi.M Darin, was located on the north side of 
the hill, on the old road leading from Nelson. 

RiciiAun r^MKRSox. Jr., lived there before him. 

Elijah Doixik, was So or icxD rods south trom 
William Wilson's. Jonas Taylor owns the premises. 

Natiianiki. Kmerson, li\ed where Abner knowl- 
ton lives. After I'^sq. Kmerson left town, the place- 
was occupied by many indi\'iduals, till Aaron Mat- 
son, Esq. became the owner, he sold to Knowlton. 

josKi'H hLMi'.RsoN, was with his hither, Nathaniel 
Emerson. 

Natiianiki. 1{\ i:\s, lirst settled on the hill where 
he ever lived. 

Richard I^mkrson. Ii\-etl at the height ol land on 
the road from N(?lson to .Sioddanl, south trom the 
Dakin place. Jonathan, his son owned alter him. 

MosKS Enh'.rson, lixctl on the next lann south 
from Richard, his father. Jonathan l^merson lived 
there manyyears, afterwards Jonas I )unn and others. 

Cvkts Ai.KXANDKR, lived in a little house near 
where South Stoddard \illage is. 

W'li.i.iwi h^vrox, w^as at the east part of the town. 



124 HISrORV OF STODDARD. 

Aaran Fairbanks, lived where Josiah M. Rice 
now ow^ns. Peter Rice lived there after Mr. Fair- 
banks. 

Jonathan Felt, lived where Martin Mclntire 
now owns. He sold to Elias Mclntire, Martin's 
father. 

John B. Flint, lived off from the road leading 
from Nelson. John Flint, his son afterwards lived 
on the same place. 

Joel Flint, lived near Job Brook's residence. 
No one lived there after him any length of time. 

Isaac Fisher, was where Nathan Nye now lives. 
Hermon, his son lived there many years after him. 

Harbor Farnsworth, lived on the farm that 
Jacob Taylor now owns. 

Samuel Farnsworth, lived on the place long 
owned by Capt. John Barker, afterwards Guile 
Barker occupied it, now owmed by Francis Picher. 

Samuel Foster, still lives where he always has 
lived. Hosea Foster owns the farm. 

Jonas Flint, lived about west from Samuel 
Foster's 

Simon Greenwood, lived on the igth lot in the 
1 2th range commonly called the Dr. Eddy farm. 

He lived many years with the doctor. Ilic build- 
ings are taken down. 

Nathaniel Gilson, owned and lived on tlic 25th 
lot in the 12th range. Peter Wright lived there 
afterwards. 

Simeon Gould, began the 4th lot in the 8th range, 
after his decease, in 1816, the writer lived on it till 
1855, it was sold to Manley McClure. 

loHN Greene, lived on the gth lot in the 12th 



KARl.V SI iri.KRS. 125 

ran^-c. 1 lis son Amos, owned after him, afterwards 
Samuel C. and then Alonzo, Samuel's son, who 
conveyed it to a Mr. \\ hittier wh(^ occupies it still. 

Sami'kl Gekoui.I), bejran the 6th lot in the loth 
range lived on it till his decease. Samuel, Jr. occu- 
pied it many years then left it unoccupied. 

Enos CjOODALK, went on the 5th lot in the 8th 
range from Temple, lived there till old age. it was 
after occupied by different persons, Joel Shedd owns 
it. 

Amhrosk Uai.k, lived on a part of the Qth lot in 
Qth range, Reuel Dodge afterwards owned it also 
Isaac Procter and Harrison Dunn now owns it but 
lives at the west part of the town. 

John Holt, once lived on the 5th lot in 7th range. 

CiKOR(]K Hoi.MHS, Came there about iSoo, lived 
during life. Jesse Wilder came there from Keene. 

W'li.i.iA.M Howard, lived on the 10th lot in i^:;th 
range. Heman Jenkins afterwards owned it, li\ed 
there several )-ears and sold to Asa Davis, Jr. 

Sami Ki. 1 loi>(ii:s, li\ed on the iith I0I in i^^th 
range, long owned b\ Asahel Parmenter, subse- 
quently by John Josliii, now by Luther Picher. 

David IIoiximw, lixcd on the 15th lot and lOth 
range. 

()i,i\i;r Hodoman, was 17th lot, i,:;th range. 

()ii\i,R HoDOMAN, jr., Ii\('s on iSth lot in 14th 
range. 

|oii\ 11i:nr\'. was on 21st lot in 12th range. 
John, |r., li\-ed there after him, then J(;hn the third, 
when Benjamin Tarbcl become owner. 

P)1MAMIN 1 low ARD, settled on 12th lot and 12th 
ranu'e. W Orcester 1 loward, his son was settled at 



126 IlISroRN' OK STDDDARI). 

home. The farm was sold to Gardner Towne. 

Towne sold to Marshal Messenger. Mr. Howard, 
senior went to Swanzey and Worcester, moved to 
Westminster, Vt. subsequently to Boston. 

GeorCxE Holmes, first lived on a lot in the west- 
erly part of the town, moved to 5th lot and 7th range, 
where Jesse Wilder now lives. 

RKriiKN Heath, lived on 24th lot and 13th range. 
Reuben. Jr., lived there after him. Nathaniel, his 
son occupies the place still with his mother. 

Jesse Hardv, was at the east part, lot not known. 

JosHiA H()f,n, lived on 22nd lot and 3rcl range. 

SrETHEN, JosEMi AND Aktiii'r P. Hardv, Were at 
the east part. 

IsAEMi Hardv, lived on i8th lot and 5th range, 
.Samuel Stacy afterwards owned it, Oilman, his son 
is cm it, 1858. 

Nathan Hardv's. was iQth lot and 6th range. 
Abel Stacy lived on it, after his death Daniel, his 
son lived there. 

Iesse Haywood, li\-ed at the 16th lot and 4th 
range. 

Mdmind .1n(;aes, was a blacksmith, lixcd at the 
middle of the town. 

( )iiADiAi[ Jenkins, was on 12th lot, loth range. 
Abel Adams succeeded him, he moxcd to Dublin, 
1857. 

David Jenkins, lived on 10th lot, loth range but 
left and went to loth lot and 13th range, the William 
1 loward place, now owned by Asa Davis, Jr. 

loNA'iHAN Jenkins, was on 1 ith lot and loth range. 
John Farrar afterwards owned it, also Noah Blod- 
gett and lob Barrett lived there. 



i:.\Ri.\ sK'rii.i;Rs. 



Xaiiiamki. Josi.iN, o\viK;d loth lot in 15th ran^t". 
Stephen C his son inherited it but left ami went to 
Marlow . 

D.wii) josi IN, Ii\('(l on 14th lot and ihth ranij^e. 
Luke Joslin li\cd there alter him hut sold to 
lulward Reed and moved to the middle of the town. 

JoNA iiiAX JKi rs. ()\vned a large tract of land in 
the north-west corner ol the town, (dlhert, his son 
lives on the old farm. 



THE FATHERS OF NEW ENGLAND. 

Written for the History of Stoddard, by Norman A. Tuttle. 
— O — 

Afrciss the wild Atlantic's roar, 

Whose waters iiiiiiftle far and wide, 
And wash the fair New England shore, 

Of ours the gift, and ours the pride. 
Across the billowy sea of old. 

There lived a stalwart holy band, 
Who sought where they, in peace might dwell. 

And fled their own proud Fatherland. 

Though years have swiftly circled round. 

And quietly through their seasons run: 
Though ages gone and i)ast i-ecall. 

Will never more to eai'th return. 
Yet still methinks in fancy bi-ight 

[ see those bold find fearless few; 
in sacred councils gathered there. 

Their lives to i)ledge, their faith renew. 

liehold them leaving Eurojje's shore. 

Where j^ersecution's cruel rod 
Pursued, with unrelenting jiower. 

With prayers arising unto God. 
Behold them board that noble shiji, 

The Mayflower, sacred be the name. 
With hearts of living faith; to face 

The dangers of the stormy main. 

Be theirs, the story often told ; 

With songs of triumph, li]>s of ])raise: 
Yet let their deeds, forever l)e 

A monument whereon to gaze. 
.\nd as the generations pass, 

Like breaking c;louds befoi'e the sun; 
Pcrchancie 'twill wake some dying thought 

Of g'lories past, of l)attles won. 



THK lATlIKKS oK M'W 1:N( M .AN 1 ). 



1 29 



How ^sl<)\\ly <''.T tllf (I-Mi'klrss (lf.'p. 

That iii)l)lr sliip. bears on Iut way: 
The stormy winds in fury swee]!, 

And clouds liaiin- round in dark array. 
Yet centered are their liopt's in Him. 

Who stays tlie wild and wintery stoiin: 
Who ruleth o"er the waters dim. 

And bids the rolliiifj,- sea. be calm. 

Lon^' days ol' toil, and caie untold; 

l.ons months of hardships calmly bore, 
Pa.ssed o'er them, ere they hailed the coast, 

And pressed the wild and savage shore. 
On "'Plymouth Rock" at last they stood: 

lOnvelojied in its wintery shroud : 
Around them came the sweeping;- blast, 

The waters murmured deeji and loud. 

Ipon that cold and sterile shore. 

Ueneath the chilling wintery air. 
Those honoi-ed Fathers, lifted u\> 

Their hearts in c.irnest, thankful prayer. 
They reared their huts ui»on tlu' sand. 

With ji'lowing: altars, trustiuf;- fait h 
They |)lanted there, our Tiljirim land 

Amid Mil' .•^niiiid ;uid w.iil of death. 

Swift yeai-s s|ic(l on. yet still tho.se few. 

In whom a des|.ots wat<-hfull care 
Could ne'er the voice of cf>//.sc7>7ycc still. 

.\or .set the seal of silence there. 
Came onward oer the suruinji' wave 

To tread the rubified western shore: 
To dwell beneath the forest shade. 

And tli'f proud Albion cvermori-. 

'I'hroutih tire and blood, throujih dauf-ers wil 

Throujih lilooniy forests, deep and wide. 
Those honored Katiiers. fought thr-ii- way. 

With heaven to help, and heaven to guide. 
Thf Indian f<-ll bfucatli t heir stroke, 

.Vnd backward rolled his steaily w:iy; 
The Pilgrim pressed his onward march. 
No power (■(uild stop, no hand i-ould stay. 



130 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

O ! shall their glory ever fade 

Their daring deeds e'er be forgot 
While sons can tell the fearful tale 

While their graves, the land doth dot? 
No, while every hill and every vale 

Is eloquent, though voiceless still ; 
And speak the words, no tongue can tell. 

Their memory lives, and ever will. 

Let Massacliusetts speak and tell 

Her tale of desolation, made 
By ruthless hands, and savage foe, 

Of sons in death forever laid. 
Old Deertield let her voice be heard. 

And speak her tale of tire and woe. 
Of death shrieks rising loud and high. 

Of hearts and homes laid sad and low. 

Ye state of hills, and mounts sublime, 

Ye state, whose rivers reach the sea; 
Whose towers of Granite ])ierce the sky. 

And stand, bold guardians of the free. 
"Old Granite State"' as speeds thy course 

Of honor, wealth and sounding fame: 
Forget not those of olden time, 

Who lived, and died with scarce a name. 

Forget not those of early days. 

Who fought and bled their homes to savi' 
Though, in quiet graves they lie. 

Let geiierations call them bi-ave. 
lict no jn'oud shaft of marble rise. 

Their deeds to tell, their tale imjiart 
Hut let their deeds, their names, their word:- 

Be dnejily gi-a V(>ii on the heart. 

New England! thou art worth the jtricc 

That bought thee; thine own soil 
Stands unpointed and uncursed. 

With galling chains, aTid driven toil. 
O! stand forever, firm and bold ; 

Stand from oi)]iression"s ])roud behest 
Then shall thy sons as ages roll. 

Rise up, and call thee ''ever blest." 



Persons Married by Isaae Robinson, 

(»F STODDAKI). N. II. 

Ainos Tlioinson and Liu-y Moliiies, iimirii'fl Mnicli 1"), 18()M 

.Icssf Hardy and .Iwiny Hardy Ian. I'l, 1804 

William Henry and Lucy (Jilson Feb. 22, lfS()4 

John Wilson and I'hebe Spanldin;; Ajnil 11, 1H04 

Daniel Towne and Sukey Evans, May 30, 'l8()4 

Jacob 8. HntchiiiKon and Lucy Jenkins Nov. 24, 1804 

William Titcher and Betsey Adams, Feb. 17, l80r( 

Nathaniel Harrett and Leefe Stevens, Feb. IM, 180") 

Moody Cutter and Henrietta Fisher, Ai>ril 10, 180r. 

J o[i_n _ Baialen and Achsa Proctor, May 2, 180r( 

I'n'njamin Temple and Alsa Jenkins \tay lit, 180."> 

P^zra Snuth and Hannah Henry .May .'{0. 180;") 

.Asa Davis and Nabby Hodgnian, Inne (}. LSOf) 

Oliver Hodj>inaii and Lydia Towne, lune (J. 180.") 

.Vndrew Cram and Sally Towne Sejtt. MO, 180.") 

Abiaham Copeland and .\ima Sjianldiuii Nov. 24. 180."» 

Benjjimin Kiiifiht anil Lncy I'ai-dcn Dec. 10. 180.") 

Ephraim .Vdams and .\iiiia Kinney Dec. 2(), 180."> 

John Stevens and .\ziibali I'roctor I'\'b. 2"), 180() 

Silas Towne and Becca .loslin Nov. 27, 1800 

Levi iilood and I'olly l{aymon<l Ian, 8. I,s(t7 

Thom;is Nii-hols, .Jr. and I'rnda Thomson Ian. 2s, 1S(»7 

I'arker Sliattnck and r.etsey .Moiiison .Inne 4. lS(i7 

Samuel Seavei- :ind Bebecca I'rooks Inly •*), 1807 

Slepheii .\(hims and I'.eci-a Whircomb Inly Ki, 1807 

Abel Stacy an<i .\iina Hardy Nov. 22, 1S(»7 

Elish.-i Wooils .iiiil Submit llodjiinan Nov. 2r,. l.S(i7 

Moses Brown and Knth Yonn;i- De<-. :{(». 1S()7 

Jephtha Wright and Bebsey Fmcrso'n Dec 1(1. 1S(17 

Nalinm Thompson and .N'aiicy Thomjison Feb. .'?. 18(»s 

Archelaus Cram and Beulah Kinney Feb. 11, ISOS 

James Hunter ami Hannah (i laic March 1, lM<»M 

Josiah Yonnu- and I'olly Biirdci May 1.".. lst»N 

William Howard .ind Betsey Dunn .May 22, iMiis 

Thomas Clark and Klio.la Kinncv \u;i. '•>. Isd.s 



132 HISTORY OF STODDARD. 

Daniel Holt and Lydia Pike, Nov. 21, 1808 

Andrew Hardy and Susannah Jenkins, Feb. 28, 1808 

Jonathan Kmer.son and Polly Reed March 5, 1809 

John Williams and Margrett Henry, March 16, 1809 

Joel Sawyer and Sukey Davis, May 9. 1809 

James Hathaway and Catharine Pitcher, June 4, 1809 

Daniel Farnsworth and Polly Farnsworth July 13, 1809 

Webster Ring- and Mary Nilson, June 14, 1810 

Stephen Mead, Jr., and Sally Stevens, June 14, 1810 

Charles Wright and Polly Barney, Sept. 24, 1812 

David Copeland and Jerusha Gerould, Dee. 22, 1812 

Lemuel Towne and Dolly Knight, Jan. 12, 181H 

Nathaniel Worcester and Lucy F'ox, Jan. 21. 1813 

Gardner Hodgman and Cynthia Wood Feb. 24, L81H 

Jacob Ames and Martha Farnsworth, April 29, 1813 

Thomas Spaulding and Sarah Champney, April 20, 1813 

Obed Hale and Nancy Davis, Se])t. 7, 1813 

Joseph Wood and Susannah Fisher .....Sept. 9. 1813 

Samuel Stacy and Mary Hardy, Nov. 11, 1813 

.Vrchilaus Towne and Clarissa. Gerould, Dec. 14, 1813 

Nathaniel Evens and Rhoda Copeland, Jan. 10, 1814 

William Tuttle and Rebecca Richardsoi ...March 22, 1814 

William Wilson and Rhoda Gould May 3, 1814 

Heman Fisher and Fanny Evans, June 2, 1814 

Willinui Shedd and Mame Spaulding,.. lune 21, 1814 

Sauiuel Gerould and Salome Keith Oct. 25, 1814 

Isaac Fisher and Sarah iiarrett, Oct. 26, 1814 

.\l|)haus Wright and Nancy Messenger, Dec. 22. 1814 

Daninl Phelps and Mary Muuroe Ian. 22. 181 ."> 

Jose[)h Rrown and Abagaii Locke June 7, 1815 

Richard Gould and Lydia Upton Se])t. 13, 1815 

.lesse Pike and Anna Green, Nov. 8, 1815 

Gardner Brooks and Sarah Howard, Dec. 7, 1815 

.Vmaziah Carter and Margaret Scott, Dec. 24, 1815 

Jonathan F. Sanderson and Christiana Towne Ian. 10, 1S16 

Samuel Ui)ton and Lucy Towne, PVb. 13. I.SIG 

Samuel S. Blood and Emily Monroe, March 7. 181() 

Jonathan Sliedd and Patty Wright, May 1(5, 1816 

Daniel Warren and Susan Sjjaulding, lune 3. 1816 

.\ntipas Dodge and Mary Marvil, luly 18, I8l(> 

James Wood and Hannah Jefts, Sept. 19, 1816 

Samuel O. Green and Mary Ball Oct. 22, 1816 

Tsaiali Gould and Susan Joslin Nov. 5, 1816 



MAkkIA(;i;s \)\ l<K\. ISAAC ROlilNSON. 1 33 

Ht'tliiifl Tli()iii|is()ii 1111(1 Asciictli Wood, Nov. r>, IHKi 

Joliii Wjitts and Sybil lUirn'tt Ian. 7, 1817 

Jonathan Knij>lit and Dolly .loslin, Ian. 14, 1H17 

Daniel Rnst and Susanna Towne, Ian. 14, 1H17 

Joel Tennoy and Lavina Mes8enf>(>r, March 20, 1H17 

Kimball Danforth and Tryphena F. Rrooks, Sept. -i, 1817 

William Howard and Lucinda (liase Feb. 17, 1817 

.Mlison Gilson and Orinda Richardson, Ai)ril 1, 1817 

.Marcus Richardson and Anna Locke, April 1"), 1817 

Josiah Henshaw and Elizabeth (ireene, May 27, 1817 

J().sepli Knifiht and Ro.xaunii Pitcher, lune 19, 1817 

Josiali Colony and Hannah Taylor, Auf?. 17, 1817 

Enos Locke and Harriett Wilson Se])t. K), 1817 

Samuel Hardy and Eunice Burbank, Se])t. 17. 1817 

Theodore Rich.irdson ,iiid Rebecca Howard Sept. 18, 1817 

.Moses Fiichardson and Electa Joslin Dec. 2, 1817 

John Raymond and Lydia Davis, Dec. 4, 1817 

Roswell Loveland and Luciiida Stevens Dee. 9, 1817 

Nathan Gould and Zili)ha Carey, Dec. 23, 1817 

John Joslin and Azubah Tarble, Dec. 23, 1817 

-Vmbi'ose I/. ^'aIIlum and Rel»ecca Stacy Dec. 2u, 1817 

.Xrchelaus Towne and Ruth Kenney, Ian. 22. ISIS 

Hervey Fisher ;ind Charlotte Copeland Feb. 1(». ISlS 

Reiijaniin .\dains mihI I.ucy Tuttle M.nch 22. iSlS 

Thomas Seward and Sally Dodjic Miiicli 31. 181S 

Timothy Mai-ney and Sally I'roctor \\>v\\ 14. 1818 

Asa Stevens and Betsey Iv Thompson May 19. 1818 

Elijah Dod^e and Patty Howard Sept. 17. 1818 

Wilii.im W. Howard nnd Candac-e Brooks Oct. 29, 1818 

iiimbod H. Fletcher and iMiifi Barden Oct. 29, 1818 

J(.hn Ph.'lps and Electa (Jerould Dec. 1.",, Isls 

Samuel Smlrh .-ind Sojdiia Dowe F<'b. 19. 1S1<) 

I.rvi W.n-n'i, and Lncy Towne F.-b. Is. ISl!) 

D.ivid Joslin and Lucy Knij-ht .March 11. ISIK 

Asa Chandler iind Sarah Fisher Vpril <>. isp.) 

Abijah Jenkins and .Mary Wil.-^on May 20. isl'.l 

Gilbert Richards and Susan Joslin Sept. 23. 1819 

John Henry iind Roxaniia Parnu'iitt-r Vpril 20, 1S2(> 

Noah Rlodyett and Fanny Joslin .\pril 27, IS-JO 

Eleazar Woodward and Hannah .Mears May 4. Is2(t 

James .Moor ami Catharine Cram May 11, lS2t) 

Samuel .Messen^,!'!' and .Nancy Phelps, June S. 1S20 

.losiali l-'armon and Rhoda Manning July 12. lS2(t 



134 HISTORY OF SrODDARI). 

Isaac Fislifi- aiul Mary 1). Coiiflaiul, Ian. '.), 1S21 

^-^ A.sa Adams Reed and Sarah Daviw, Ian. 1(5, 1821 

Luther Barrett and Mary Greene Jan. 25, 1821 

.lonathan .lefts and Almira Hodfiinaii, May 10, 1821 

Henry Sawyer and Roxanna Eniernon, April 1, 1821 

Jesse Wilder and Dolly Holmes Oct. 4, 1821 

Timothy Barney and Theodosia King-sbury, Feb. 14, 1822 

•loel Mansfield and Belinda lUrden, Feb. 27, 1822 

Samuel Messenger and Sally Bend, June (>, 1822 

.\bner Raymond and Clarissa Wilson June 25, 1822 

Benjamin Fisher and Melissa, Woods, Oct. 8, 1822 

Eber Pike and Mary Daken Dec. 14, 1822 

Leonard Hoar and Pamelia Hodgman Dec. 17, 1822 

Calvin Phelps and Sally Fox March 13. 1828 

William Harndcm and Betsey Wilson, March 16, 1823 

Otis Barden and Edy Farnuni, May 1, 1823 

John O. Henshaw, and Mary Greene, May 4, 1823 

I'ibenezer Towne and Tryphena Cory May 29, 1823 

Collins AVhittemore and Sally Wilson, May 29, 1823 

Asahel Hill and Hannah Barden, July 9, 1823 

Stephen Wf)od and Maria Foster Nov. 4, 1823 

Willard Spaulding- and Abigail Tayloi-, Nov. 23, 1823 

Lewis Barden and Sally Stacy, Dec. 18, 1823 

Levi Mclntire and Mary Tnttle Dec. 21, 1823 

Nathaniel Friend and Sojihia Dow ...Dec;. 25, 1823 

Ralph Dodge and Betsey Tarl»le Ian. 1, 1824 

•lohn Waters and Olive Richardson Feb. 3, 1824 

Caleb Colburn and Jane H. Kemp, .\|)iil 22, 1824 

Sti'phen Wilson and Louise (Jould Miiy 31, 1H24 

David .VIcQuestion and Pamelia Richardson Inly 15, 1824 

.John (ii-eene and Sai-ah Brown, Oct. 5, 1M24 

{{nt'us Wilson and Cynthia Richardson Nov. 11, 1.S24 

Riifus Dodge and Cordelia Messenger Nov. 18, 1824 

Luke Joslin and l.ydia Foster Nov. 24. 1824 

Elviras Parmentcr and Electa Howard Dee. 30, 1824 

Stearns Foster and Cynthia Wilson Feb. 3, 1824 

Thomas Hodgman and Esthei- Shed March 3, 1S25 

Nathan Atwood and Dolly Farnum, March 22, 1825 

Thomas Richardson and Nancy Kemp Mar(*h 23, 1825 

.instin Pease and Nancy Knight, .Vlaich 24, 1825 

Thomas Colburn and Catharine Reed A]M-il 19. 1825 

Samuel Royce and Mary Buss, lune 1, 1825 

Thomas Sanderson and Sallv !{eed lunc 2, 1H25 



MARKIACKS in KKV. ISAM' ROIMNSON. 

Kzt'kicI I'lfirdt'ii and Sopliia Iploii, Iiiiii' IG, 

Heiijainiii Jf>tt8 and Olive Reed, luly (i, 

John Smith and Irene Harden Ian. 22, 

Silas Warner and Ada Alexander Feb. H, 

Jesse Reed and Sally Mcliitin' Feb. 0, 

Moses Collins aiuJ Electa Temple Feb. 1(5, 

(Oliver (lould and Mary Upton Feb. 1(5, 

Franklin Marker and Retsey IJlood April 2(5, 

Cynis Harris and Lury Cary. April 20, 

Stejihen Tiittle and Snsaiina Wilson -^HK- 27, 

.\sa Whittemore and Lncy Rrown, Nov. 20, 

Calvin llollowel and Hannah Flint, \pril 15), 

John Rarns and Rachel Mansfield. Nov. 5, 

Olias Hardy and I.avinia Harden, Nov. 2!), 

Elijah Rlanchard and Polly Friend, Dec. 27, 

Lyman Cojieliind and Julia Richardson Feb. o, 

Zolva leaker and Sally Holmes May S, 

•lacoli Taylor and Mary llamden lune 2H, 

.lolm Joslin and Harriett Ireni- White, Inly 7. 

•lonali I'.all and .Mary Spanlding-, Sejit. M. 

Silas Messenf-er and .Arvilia li. CojM'land Se])t. 11, 

.\sa Taft and Nancy Riirnap Sept. W, 

Mark (Jillis and Elvira Wilson, Feb. •'?. 

Samuel Fpton and Louisa I'itchei-, \jii-il MO, 

Samnci Jenkins and Nancy Reed \njj-. IS, 

Samuel Keith and Rlioda S. (ierould -An"-. 2(5, 

Solomon .Ma<k and Adaline Knij>iit Sept. 22, 

I'aul (Jriswold and Laura Uolstei- .\<>v. 24. 

William Nay and Diadema Cram Nov. lit. 

.Melvin I'arney and .\'aMc\ .M. TJiompson .Nov. 2(». 

.Marshall Messen^i-r and .\an(\ I'l-iend Dec ."{. 

Thomas Mr.Mastcr ami L\flia C. Thom]is(Mi Dec. I's. 

Mark I'owers ami Sdina Foster I"eb. 1<>. 

Nathan .Morse and -lane Rohb \pril 1. 

.\lphens Kendall and Meroa Dodj-i- Vl'ril 2tl. 

.loseph Rii-liardsoii and Sally Dunn April 27. 

Harvey llealy and Elizabeth Richardson May 27, 

Isaiah Reed and Lu.-iml.i Dud^v Vu;:-. 12. 

Frederi<-k A. Cutter, and llep,s;ibelii IV Rutterfiehl... Vn^. 20, 

LolyiMis CirmeiitiT and risnl.i C. .Melli-n Sept. 2. 

John .\L I'.iy and .Mary lOvan-;, .\ov. 11. 

Nathaniel Joslin and .\nna Thompscni .Ian. I. 

Thomas CJiandlci- ,iml Lilev Towne T'l'li. ."l. 



1^6 lllS'r<)l<\ Oh SroDDAKD. 



Stciinis Tarbox and Nancy Smith, April ."5, lH;n 

Joseph Waugli and Fanny Dow, April 4, 1881 

Benjamin Tyler and Laura Taylor, May 80, 1831 

Amos Robbins and Randilla Pike May 3, 1831 

Jonas Taylor and Rhoda Evans, Oct. 2. 1831 

Jonas P. Reed and Ann Waldron Oct. 20, 1831 

Charles Foftfi; and Roxa Farnnm, Nov. 2, 1831 

Franklin Richardson and Harriett Wilson Nov. 24. 1831 

.lesse Sheldon and .Sarah Emerson Dec 2!>, 1831 

(iilnuin Tenney and Sally Cram, Feb. 21, 1832 

Nehemiah Richardson and Roxanna Howard Feb. 23. 1832 

Jesse Reed and Clarissa Mclntire, March 15, 1832 

Lavvson Belknap and Sally Monroe May 2, 1832 

John H. Sawtell and Clarissa, Towne, Inly 11, 1832 

Israel F. Towne and Lucretia Taylor Oct. '.), 1832 

Samuel Hlaneha/d and Hannah Friend March 21, 1833 

Henry Stevens and Hannah Scott June 2, 1833 

Pienjamin F. Wliittemore and Sylvia K. Wilson, June O, 1833 

Jeremiah Foster and Mary Temple Tune 11, 1.S33 

Warren Mclntire and Harriett Underwood, Oct. 1,1833 

Luther Richardson and Lucy T. Davis, Oct. 3, 1833 

Edward Haywood and Emily Foster Oct. 10. 1833 

David T. Petts and Phebe Stevens Oct. 22, 1833 

Hosea Foster and Mary (i. Rice, Nov. 7, 1833 

F*aui)oint Kendall and Betsey Wilson Jan. 7, 1833 

John Stevens and Mary Stacy Ian. 16, 1833 

Allen M. Wilder and Caroline Emerson March 24, 1834 

F{euben Monroi^ and Marjiaret Dowe May 13, 1834 

David Stacy and Louisa Custice July 0, 1834 

Ira Brockway and Hannah Jefts \u<--. 21, 1834 

Ephriam C. Hull and Lucy C. Locke Oct. S), 1834 

Levi Barrett and Julia Thompson Oct. 23, 1834 

(lilmaii Seriptui-e and Azubah Stevens, Xjtril H). 1835 

.Vbraham P. Nichols and Althea Dodge Inly 27, 1835 

David Preston and Belinda Davis. Oct. 22, 1.S35 

Edward L. Vose and Aurelia Wilson, Oct. 2J), 1835 

Chester Blodgett and Azubah P. Barden, Ian. 17, 183(5 

Richard Knapp and Rhoda A. Dodge Ajiril 11, 183(» 

Daniel Upton and Mary Robb May 5. 183() 

Marshall Messenger and Fanny M. Holmes July 14, 183(5 

Chauncy Blodgett and Esther Comstock Aug. 30. 183(> 

(Jilman Jones and Eliza Towne Se|)t. 28, 183(5 



MARKIACKS HV RK\". ISAAC K()|!I\S()\. 

Williiuii Ilnstiugs jiiitl Lfstiiia KiniM'soii, Nov. IM, 

-Marcus Davis and Lydia L. WUhdii, Dec 27. 

(ieorj>e Riiifi; and Louisa Knowltou, Dec 2'.K 

Silas ('ram and Persis L. Dow Dec 2'.>, 

Eliphalet Fox and Mary Hnrkcr Ajiril IM, 

Alvin Wliite and Susanna Heath, May 4, 

Reuben M. Sawyer and Mary Preston May IH, 

Samuel (i. linrker and Sarah Towne, May 1H, 

l^eonard Jones and Hacliel Spanhlinfi,', Mine 7, 

Jonathan Clark and Soplironia Reed, Uiji'. 27, 

Mark M. Woodbury and Kmily Wilson, Sept. 20, 

Daniel Harvey and Fatima Shed Oft. 12, 

Griffin Wilson and Elizabeth Stevens, Nov. 24, 

Fllanson ('. Rrown and Nancy Davis, .\ov. 2H, 

Richard Razey and .\nn Metcalf Dec. 21. 

Ambrose Stanley and Susan Kmerson Dec. 2M, 

John Uarrett and Sally Dow Dec. Ml, 

K. I'.. Towne and Alnmda Wilson .Vnu. 

Josiah Fleeman and Candace (i. Knijiht Oct. 1, 

Joseph Thatcher and Nancy Joslin, Dec. 27. 

Franklin Knowltf»ii and I'ersis Stacy, .Ian. 24. 

Chauncy Jones and .Vhifiail liOveland Feb. .*), 

Timothy Hunt and Try|)liena Fisher .March .">. 

Dexter I>all and Hannah P>rockwa>' \\\iX. 2.">. 

.Varon Smith and .Martha .M. I'ap'. Sept. .".. 

Flijah Wet herbe*' antl Fanny F. Mnnroe Oct. ."{. 

Josejih (". Stickney and Rachel D. Cram Dec .".. 

William Dole and I>aura Dowe, ...Jan. Id. 

Jtmathan (ireen and .\bby 1). \\'orcester .Ma\ 7. 

Isaac 1*. Howe and L.iuiinda Jenkins Innc4. 

Kethuel (ireeiie and Fydia r|)loii Dec. 2J. 

Caleb I'. Woodbury and Fmily A. <'ullrM- Dec 24. 

Samuel Osfi'ood and Flizabeih K. Hunt i''eb, 2."). 

.Vzel Hatch and .Mary 1". Worccslci- Scjii. '.i. 

Daniel Downinu' and Lucy T. I'plon Sept. •■{(), 

Kdwin L. .Men-ick and Lucy R. Rice Feb. 1 .'i. 

D.-ivid Harron and Sabi-ina Kemp .Manh <'.. 

(Jardner 'I'. Riufj,- and Soplironia Knowltou .Manli lo. 

Charles Worcester and llai-rietl .N. I'arker lune Hi. 

.\ndrew Cram and .M.iiy llensh.iw .Nov. '.>. 

Nathaniel .Mitchd and Harriett Iv Knowltou Feb. 2(1. 

Sewell D;iy and Hannah Wilson .May Kl. 

.\sa Davis. Jr., and Soplironia L. (ioiild Nov. 2n. 



138 HISTORY (^F STODDARD. 

Francis Jewett and Selina A. Dodge, April 4, 1844 

Philip W. Wilds and Lucinda Loveland, April 4, 1844 

Sumner Knight and Martha Phelps, June 2, 1844 

Hartwell Frink and Sarah D. Jefts, Sept. 24, 1844 

Alden Davis and Hannah E. Upton, Tune 5, 1845 

Samuel L. Sloder and Mary L. Loomis June 11), 1845 

Franklin B. Locke and Lucy B. Sanderson, Aug. 27, 1845 

Edwin L. Merrick and Rhoda Ann Rice, Sept. 11, 1845 

John B. Brown and Lavina B. Chase, Dec. 18. 1845 

Gardner Towne, Jr., and Susan W. Locke Dec. 25, 1845 

William Dodge and Sarah Ann Stacy, Jan. 20, 1840 

Atwell C. Ellis and Nancy Adams, Feb. 3, 1846 

Edward Hall and Harriett Robinson, March 10, 1846 

John Mellen' and Rebecca AV. Phelps March 3, 1846 

Winslow Royce and Susan R. liarden June 3, 1846 

Josiah Grimes and Amy Dodge, lune 16, 184(5 

K. (i. Dudley and Christiaima Dun(;an, Oct. 6, 184(5 

Lowell Symonds and Mary Jane Barrett, Dec. 24. 184(5 

Paschal P. Hodginaii and Susan A. Wilson Dec. 31. 1846 

Nathaniel O. Osgood and Hannah Hunt, June 2, 1847 

Franklin Kimball and Retsey Davis, Se]»t. 8, 1.S47 

Joseph F. Moore and Lucy A. Davis Feb. S. 1848 

Henry Perley and Mary Jane Stacy May 18. 1848 

Jonas W. (loodhue nnd Pliel)e Wilson lune 7, 1848 

Freeman W. Jet'ts and Electa Towne Sejit. 14, 1848 

Leonard Harrington and Sojyhronia 1*. Henry Oct. 5, 184S 

J. (iuincy Jones and ('ynthia J. (lould Dec 31, ls4<S 

Daniel W. Mears and Clarissa I'pton May 15, 1840 

Manly McClure ainl Joanna A. Hep.l Dec. Is, 1S40 

Daniel W. Barney ami Adalaide .\yr March 24, 1850 

Hollis Towne and Elzina M. Carey March 25. 1850 

Henry G. Foster nnd Alicia (i. Wilson .hine 23. 1850 

George Wells and Amanda Gerould June 25, 1850 

James Downing, Jr.. and Electa Foster June 27. l.S5() 

Abel C. Wilder and Rosalva Knight Sejit. 2(5 1850 

Samuel Dutton and Jjucinda .McClure Nov. 7, 1S50 

David Mc(^lure and Eliza Hart Nov. 13, 1S50 

James Hanimett and Sarah E. Foster Ian. 10, 1S51 

Hiram Fairtield and Rebecca F'^atoii I'^cb. 20, 1851 

Samuel \. Wriglit and Lucy Towne .March 27, 1851 

Unci K. Conanl and .Inlia A. Curtice, Oct. 6, 1851 

Horatio W. Smally and Clara M. Scripture Nov. 13. 1851 

Solon Estev and Christina Warren Dec. 11. 1851 



MAUKIAGF..S BY RKV. ISAAC KOl'.INSON. 1 3Q 

Milan Dodge and Laura C. Bailey, April 22, 1852 

William Cluggett, Jr., aud Martha L. Richardson,. ..Aug. 17, 1852 

AVilliaui Robb and Abagail Jones, March 17, 1853 

Alden Green and Lydia P. Jenkins, Nov. 28, 1853 

S. r. Jenkins and Caroline O. Powell, Nov. 28, 1853 

Charles 1. Wright and Maria A. Carey, Dec. 1, 1853 

Clark H. Carr and Caroline A. Gould Dec. 1, 1853 

Arnold Scri]tture and Submit llodgman, Jan. 17, 1854 

Isaac Robinson was ordained, January 5, 1803, over the church in 
Stixldanl. N. II. Died. .Inly <), 185-4. 



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